The Kansas City Chiefs are signing veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
Humphries was medically cleared to return to action on Friday following a lengthy recovery from a torn ACL sustained in December 2023, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
His deal with the Chiefs is valued at $2 million, with a maximum potential of $4.5 million—a notable contract for a Week 12 signing coming off a major injury.
To secure Humphries, Kansas City likely needed to offer more than the NFL’s injury protection benefit would provide, according to Jason Fitzgerald of Over the cap.
Humphries had drawn interest from the Patriots and visited the Giants earlier in the season but left New York without a deal, as the team was unwilling to meet his financial demands.
The Chiefs, however, urgently sought help protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside and made Humphries an attractive offer to join their roster.
Entering the season, the Chiefs hoped one of their two young offensive tackles could solidify the left tackle position.
However, 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia and 2023 third-round pick Wanya Morris have struggled.
Suamataia initially won the starting job in training camp but was benched in Week 2 in favor of Morris, who has started every game since.
When Morris exited in Week 10 due to injury, Suamataia filled in but delivered a poor performance.
He was then a healthy scratch in Week 11, prompting Kansas City to seek external solutions.
Humphries, an eight-year veteran and former Pro Bowler (2021), brings 98 career starts—primarily at left tackle—to the Chiefs.
While injuries have been a recurring issue for him, his experience makes him a strong addition as Kansas City looks to fortify its offensive line and pursue a third consecutive Super Bowl title.
