The Kansas City Chiefs have had no shortage of underachieving or frustrating offensive linemen over the past half-decade. However, one frustration that clearly stood out was backup tackle D.J. Humphries. Although the veteran would remain rostered as the Chiefs went to their third straight Super Bowl, there is no question that fans were hopeful never to see his number in the starting lineup again.
In two games in the 2024 season, the franchise was unfortunate enough to be forced to turn to Humphries, leading to his allowing 11 pressures despite only playing 69 pass-block downs, per Pro Football Focus.
Now, Humphries has taken this talent to a new contender, one that dropped an extremely winnable and important game in Week 17. The Los Angeles Rams lost to the Atlanta Falcons 27-24 despite needing the win for playoff seeding. While the loss helped Kansas City's chances of landing a top-10 pick in the offseason, it was easy to feel for the Rams. Penalties on the former K.C. blocker cost Los Angeles 75 yards worth of offense and a Puka Nacua touchdown (h/t @Igotburners).
Ex-Chiefs OT D.J. Humphries Giving Rams Nightmares After Week 17
Humphries was forced into the lineup due to an injury to Alaric Jackson. The backup not only gave up pressures consistently but also committed two costly errors, including a holding penalty and an illegal formation. Both mistakes resulted in big plays and flashed just how frustrating an experience it is to rely on Humphries while attempting to contend.
There is a reason why the Chiefs didn't explore bringing back Humphries at the end of last season, opting to pay Jaylon Moore instead. It was an obviously wise decision that protects the Chiefs from this level of disaster. Even former K.C. practice squad member and current starter Esa Pole has appeared to be a far superior option.
Losing to the Falcons pushes the Rams into far more difficult playoff positioning and could prove costly in the wildcard round. It is easy to argue that if not for Humphries being in the starting lineup, the Rams would have won that game. With this in mind, the Rams and their fans can't help but hope Jackson can return in Week 18.
For the Chiefs, the struggles serve as a clear reminder of the upgrades made along the offensive line. While there is plenty of work ahead in the 2026 offseason, the franchise's O-line depth at least looks better than it did at the start of the season, giving Kansas City multiple reliable options to call on in a pinch.
That's something Humphries clearly isn't at this stage of his career, as the former Chief might be on his way out of the NFL if he can't turn things around with the Rams.