The San Francisco 49ers made a surprising move by signing free-agent offensive tackle D.J. Humphries just three days after the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Pro Bowler, previously with the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs, brings a wealth of experience but also significant risks. Below is a detailed analysis with five shocking facts about this deal, based on the latest reports.
1. Recovery from a Serious Injury
D.J. Humphries was once among the NFL’s top left tackles, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and ranking as the No. 4 tackle by Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2020. However, he suffered a torn ACL late in the 2023 season while with the Cardinals, forcing him to miss most of the 2024 season for recovery. Humphries returned briefly in 2024, playing just 92 snaps in two games for the Chiefs. The 49ers’ decision to bet on a player coming off such a severe injury is a bold move, especially as the team seeks stability on the offensive line to protect quarterback Brock Purdy.
2. Alarming Decline in Performance
In his 92 snaps with the Chiefs in late 2024, Humphries delivered a disappointing performance. According to PFF, he allowed 3 sacks and 11 pressures, earning an overall grade of just 44.8 and a career-low pass-blocking grade of 30.5. Compared to his peak in 2020-2021, when he barely allowed a sack all season, this drop-off raises serious concerns. With the 49ers, Humphries must prove he can regain his elite form, especially when facing top pass-rushers like Nick Bosa in practice.
3. Sidelined During the 2024 Playoffs
One of the most shocking details about Humphries is his near-total exclusion from the Chiefs’ 2024 playoff run, despite their desperate need for a reliable left tackle. Instead of using Humphries, head coach Andy Reid opted to move guard Joe Thuney to left tackle. As a result, Humphries played just 9 special teams snaps across two playoff games and did not see the field in the Super Bowl, where the Chiefs lost to Philadelphia. For a former cornerstone of the Cardinals’ offensive line, being sidelined like this highlights concerns about his physical condition and performance.
4. 49ers’ Last-Minute Decision
The 49ers raised eyebrows by not selecting any offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite clear depth issues on their offensive line. With Trent Williams (37 years old and injury-prone) and Colton McKivitz (inconsistent) not being long-term solutions, and former swing tackle Jaylon Moore now with the Chiefs, the team’s signing of Humphries post-draft suggests a strategic pivot. General Manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan likely realized their draft oversight and turned to the free-agent market to address the gap. This move reflects an unexpected shift in the team’s approach.
5. High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
At 31 years old, Humphries brings significant experience to the 49ers, with 100 career starts and a previous $7 million-per-year contract with the Cardinals. If he can recapture his 2020-2021 form, he could be a key piece, either as a swing tackle or a potential replacement for Trent Williams when needed. However, his extensive injury history—torn ACL (2023), back injury (2022), and hamstring issues (2024)—makes this signing a major gamble. If Humphries fails to return to his peak, the 49ers could face a critical weakness in their offensive line, jeoparding their Super Bowl aspirations.
Outlook Analysis
The signing of D.J. Humphries indicates the 49ers’ attempt to patch up their offensive line in the short term while hoping a former Pro Bowler can rediscover his prime. In Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system, which demands mobile tackles capable of protecting the quarterback in play-action scenarios, Humphries has a chance to shine if he overcomes his physical limitations. However, given his recent injuries and poor performance, he’ll need time to integrate and prove his worth.
Conclusion
The D.J. Humphries signing is a surprising move by the San Francisco 49ers, carrying both promise and peril. As the team looks to bolster its offensive line for a 2025 Super Bowl push, Humphries could either be a “secret weapon” or a costly misstep. Fans will have to wait until the early season games to see if this former Pro Bowler can write the next chapter of his comeback story.