The San Francisco 49ers have taken a significant step to bolster their offensive line by signing veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, as announced by his agency, AMDG Sports, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. This move comes after the 49ers notably did not select an offensive tackle during the 2025 NFL Draft or sign any undrafted free agents at the position, leaving a critical gap in their roster.
Humphries, who was originally a first-round pick out of Florida by the Arizona Cardinals in 2015, has had a career filled with ups and downs. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 307 pounds, he has spent the majority of his career with the Cardinals, where he started 98 games over eight seasons. His tenure included a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, showcasing his potential as a top-tier offensive lineman. However, injuries have plagued his recent seasons, including a torn ACL that sidelined him for most of the 2023 season.
After recovering from his injury, Humphries joined the Kansas City Chiefs in November 2024, where he aimed to solidify their left tackle position. Unfortunately, his time in Kansas City was marred by further setbacks. He played in just two games, allowing three sacks and 11 pressures on 69 pass-blocking snaps, which resulted in a disappointing 44.8 offensive grade and a 30.5 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus—both career lows.
Despite these challenges, the 49ers are optimistic about Humphries' potential impact on their offensive line. With Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz already established as the starters at left and right tackle, respectively, Humphries is expected to serve as a swing tackle, providing depth and experience. Jaylon Moore, the previous swing tackle, has signed with the Chiefs, creating a vacancy that Humphries is poised to fill.
Humphries' signing is particularly timely given the uncertainty surrounding Williams, who suffered an ankle injury that cost him the final seven games of the previous season. The 49ers are aware of the potential for further injuries and have taken precautionary measures by adding a player of Humphries' caliber. Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted the need for a reliable backup, stating, "We need someone who can step in and perform at a high level if Trent goes down again." This sentiment underscores the importance of Humphries' role as the team looks to maintain stability on the offensive line.
As the 49ers prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Humphries adds both experience and depth to their offensive line. His familiarity with the NFC West, having spent the majority of his career with the Cardinals, will also provide valuable insights as he transitions into his new role. The 49ers are hopeful that Humphries can regain his pre-injury form and contribute significantly to their offensive success.
In his prime, Humphries was known for his strong pass-blocking abilities and athleticism, traits that could greatly benefit the 49ers as they aim to protect quarterback Brock Purdy and enhance their offensive production. With the 2025 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Humphries to see if he can reclaim his status as a formidable offensive tackle.
The 49ers' decision to sign Humphries is a calculated risk, but one that could pay off significantly if he can stay healthy and perform at a high level. As the team continues to build its roster, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this move impacts their overall performance in the coming season.
Overall, the signing of D.J. Humphries signifies the 49ers' commitment to strengthening their offensive line and ensuring they have the necessary depth to compete effectively in the highly competitive NFC West. With the draft now behind them, the focus shifts to how well Humphries can integrate into the team's system and contribute to their playoff aspirations.
