Chiefs Sign Surprise LT Upgrade in Big Week 12 Move

The Chiefs announced a massive signing in a predictable news dump on Friday evening, adding former Cardinals left tackle D.J. Humphries in a surprise deal that likely ends rookie Kingsley Suamataia's time on the active roster for the rest of the season.

Suamataia's struggles raised major questions about the position, even leading All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney to express his comfort in switching outside if the situation demanded it.

Humphries started 15 games for Arizona in 2023. The 2015 first-round pick has 98 starts in his career, representing the kind of experience that Wanya Morris and Suamataia simply haven't had the opportunity to get yet.

Chiefs Sign LT D.J. Humphries in Major Week 12 Move

A Pro Bowler as recently as 2021, Humphries has spent the year recovering from an ACL tear. He's got fairly average grades from Pro Football Focus over his career, though excels as a pass-protector.

Many argued that the Chiefs needed to re-sign Donovan Smith, including us, especially considering Andy Reid's general preference to acquire players midseason who are familiar with the system.

That raises a few questions. Was there an unknown issue with Smith? Does Brett Veach believe Humphries represent a greater upside? How much influence did Reid have on the decision?

The answer to the latter is obvious. Reid signed off on this. If the Chiefs think that Humphries is a better player to sign than Smith, they're almost certainly correct. It's a surprise regardless, but Humphries' resume speaks for itself.

Nonetheless, Suamataia will likely be shut down. Morris is the starter for now, though Humphries will probably take over before the playoff run as Kansas City tries to win its third straight Super Bowl despite the offense faltering.

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