Shocking Reason Revealed Behind the Failure of Humphries’ Contract with the 49ers

In late April 2025, San Francisco 49ers fans were thrilled when D.J. Humphries’ agency, AMDG Sports, announced that the veteran offensive tackle had reached a contract agreement with the team. However, just two weeks later, a shocking revelation emerged: the deal between Humphries and the 49ers had not been finalized, and the negotiations appeared to have hit a dead end. What went wrong to stall this highly anticipated signing? Let’s dive into the surprising reasons behind this unexpected turn of events.

D.J. Humphries’ Journey Before the 49ers Deal

D.J. Humphries, 31, is a seasoned NFL offensive tackle with nine years of experience. Selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Humphries began his career as a right tackle before transitioning to left tackle, becoming a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ offensive line for eight seasons. He started all 98 games he played in, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2021, which solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top linemen.

However, injuries have plagued Humphries’ career. At the end of the 2023 season, he suffered a torn ACL, sidelining him and leading to his release by the Cardinals in the offseason. After a lengthy recovery, Humphries signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in November 2024 but played only two games before a hamstring injury forced him out for most of the season’s remainder. Although he was on the roster for Super Bowl LIX, Humphries did not see the field, marking a challenging year.

With his experience and potential, Humphries was seen as an ideal addition to bolster the 49ers’ offensive line depth, especially after they lost swing tackle Jaylon Moore to the Chiefs and did not draft any tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. So, why did this promising deal fall apart?

The Shocking Reason: No Contract Was Ever Finalized

According to NBC Sports Bay Area, contrary to the announcement from Humphries’ agency on April 29, 2025, no formal agreement was ever reached between the two parties. The reported contract was merely an intention, lacking legal finalization. This explains why the 49ers never officially confirmed the signing, leaving fans and media puzzled.

Sources suggest the issue may stem from disagreements over financial terms or concerns about Humphries’ health. Given his history of serious injuries, including a torn ACL and hamstring issues, the 49ers may have hesitated to commit to a long-term or high-value contract. Instead, the team swiftly signed two other offensive tackles, Andre Dillard and Nicholas Petit-Frere, signaling a shift in their roster-building strategy.

Reactions from Insiders and Fans

The news sparked a firestorm of debate on social media, particularly on X, where 49ers fans expressed frustration and confusion. Some speculated that Humphries and his agency prematurely announced the deal to pressure the 49ers or attract interest from other teams. Others suggested the 49ers reassessed Humphries’ value, especially since he has yet to fully prove his post-injury performance.

NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Matt Maiocco emphasized that there are no indications the two sides will reach an agreement anytime soon. This further fuels speculation that the 49ers have moved on to safer options in terms of finances and physical reliability.

Lessons from the Saga

This incident serves as a reminder that in the NFL, nothing is certain until a contract is officially signed. The hasty announcement from Humphries’ agency created an awkward situation and highlighted the risks of relying on unconfirmed reports. For the 49ers, opting not to pursue Humphries further may be a cautious move, helping them avoid potential risks tied to a player with a significant injury history.

As of now, Humphries remains a free agent, with opportunities still open to find a new team. Meanwhile, the 49ers are focusing on strengthening their roster with rookies and veterans like Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz. Will the story between Humphries and the 49ers end here, or are there more surprises to come? Only time will tell.