Chiefs Shockingly Rejected Super Bowl Starter for New Signing

The Chiefs signed former Pro Bowl LT D.J. Humphries in a bit of a surprise move to help replace the struggling Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris, though it sounds like this was the organization's backup plan all along.

Many fans expected Kansas City to reunite with 2023 starter and Super Bowl champion Donovan Smith. According to a new report from Nate Taylor of The Athletic, the Chiefs actively chose Humphries over Smith.

Considering their respective ages and that Humphries ceiling is higher, it's a logical decision to make.

Chiefs Chose D.J. Humphries Over Donovan Smith

"In a close decision, according to a team source, the Chiefs chose to sign Humphries, 30, over Donovan Smith, 31, who was the starter last season," Taylor writes. "Humphries will make $2 million for the rest of the season with a maximum value of $4.5 million, according to the source. A Pro Bowler in 2021 with the Arizona Cardinals, Humphries had been unsigned this season while recovering from a torn ACL."

Based on those comments, it sounds like Smith would've joined Kansas City if the team wanted him. They preferred Humphries obviously, which is somewhat stunning given Smith's familiarity with the offense and scheme.

"The Chiefs felt they needed to sign Humphries to protect themselves further in case (Wanya) Morris, who has played through pain in his right knee the past several weeks, misses time the rest of the season," Taylor continues.

That proves they have no faith in Suamataia for right now. He's still a long-term option but his rookie campaign has been a mess.

Brett Veach's hand was forced and he chose Humphries. While the newest Chief won't play against the Raiders, he'll be suiting up sooner than later.

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