It seemed that things were all in place for former Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle, DJ Humphries, when it was reported that he and the San Francisco 49ers had agreed to a one year deal around a month ago.
According to Jeremy Fowler, the 49ers are signing OT DJ Humphries.
– 31 years old
– 1st round pick, 24th overall in 2015
– Pro Bowl in 2021
– Cardinals from 2015-2023
– Chiefs in 2024
– Only played 92 snaps last year. Was hurt and bad pic.twitter.com/opfkUkIeCY— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) April 29, 2025
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However, that ultimately turned out to not be the case, and there have been crickets regarding the two teams finalizing a deal in the recent weeks since.
As a result, the former Chiefs castoff has now signed with the Los Angeles Rams, per Ari Meirov.
The #Rams reached agreement on a deal with former longtime #Cardinals OT DJ Humphries, who spent the end of last season with the #Chiefs, per @SportsAmdg.
Humphries was supposed to sign with the 49ers in late April but the deal was never finalized. pic.twitter.com/9TgAfqPVF7
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 12, 2025
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Why Did The Chiefs Let DJ Humphries Go?
The Chiefs signed the former Pro Bowler towards the end of November 2024 to help bolster an offensive line that was struggling to find a suitable replacement for departed left tackle, Donovan Smith.
Kingsley Suamataia, drafted in the second round of the 2024 draft, proved a liability at tackle – and will try again in 2025 to obtain a starting role, only this time at guard. Whilst 2023 third rounder, Wanya Morris, proved to do little better at the position.
Eventually, Humphries was bought in to act as a temporary solidifier of the position for the last month of the regular season and the playoffs. Unfortunately, he was benched after some very underwhelming performances in a move that ultimately lead to Joe Thuney taking over the left tackle spot – with Mike Caliendo filling in at left guard.
What Will DJ Humprhies Add To The Rams’ Offensive Line?
That answer is not immediately apparent. On the one hand, it is unlikely that Humphries will manage to crack a strong LA Rams starting five that currently boasts veteran right tackle, Rob Havenstein and freshly paid left tackle, Alaric Jackson as its bookends.
On the other, the Havenstein is getting older, and has missed nine games over the past two season, so it is quite possible that we may see the former Chief get some action as the third option “swing” tackle on the LA’s offense.
But it may not be that simple, with the organization having already bought in journeyman tackle, David Quessenberry in free agency to join Warren McLendon as the team’s backup options on the exterior of the offensive line.
Rams head coach, SeanMcVay, probably liked the idea of poaching a quality from under the nose of arch rival (and longtime friend) Kyle Shanahan. And affordable, additional flexibility at one of the most important positions in the league is never a bad thing.
