D.J. Humphries: A First Look
Reviewing the Chiefs' newest tackle
Three is the magic number for the Kansas City Chiefs. A combination of three Chiefs wins and Bills and Steelers losses can secure them the one seed in the AFC: the ultimate prize of the regular season to get the lone week off in the conference.
At this point in the season, unfortunately, three has not been a lucky number. Due to injuries, this team is on their third wide receiver one, kicker, cornerback, and left tackle. This team has been through so much attrition at key positions throughout the year, and still find themselves in a phenomenal position to host another Arrowhead Invitational in late January.
D.J. Humphries was signed to help solidify the left tackle position — arguably the most glaring weakness on this team as it heads toward the postseason. He is easily the most accomplished player to enter the fold at the position, replacing second year player Wanya Morris and opening day starter, rookie Kingsley Suamataia.
Humphries saw two large extensions in his time with the Arizona Cardinals and garnered a Pro Bowl accolade in 2021 for his performance. His last contract, a three year $66.6 million deal would have been the largest contract the Chiefs have ever handed out to a tackle in team history by APY.
He was released earlier this year coming off of an ACL injury sustained during the 2023 season that kept him from finding an opportunity during the traditional free agency window. Instead, he found a home with the Chiefs going to great lengths to ensure they can solidify the blindside of Patrick Mahomes.
I said the most important thing that Humphries could do in this game was make it out injury free. The results of the game didn’t matter to me as much as him being able to get back on the horse this week against Myles Garrett. Unfortunately, he pulled up late in the game with a hamstring injury that kept him from finishing. His status for next remains up in the air.
Regardless, it’s worth examining what he did in this game, and what it could mean for the offense moving forward if he’s able to play through the playoffs.