Former Chiefs Starter Finally Signs with New Team After Contract Snafu

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy (right) and head coach Andy Reid against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy (right) and head coach Andy Reid against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs' issues at left tackle in 2024 were well-documented as the team started four different players at the position en route to terrible play on the left side of the offensive line. All-Pro Joe Thuney was forced to move from guard to tackle, and the Philadelphia Eagles feasted in the trenches during a dominant Super Bowl performance.

Naturally, general manager Brett Veach sought to fix the problem this offseason. He drafted Josh Simmons in the first round and signed former San Francisco 49ers Jaylon Moore, hoping to correct the issue despite sending Thuney to the Chicago Bears.

That left a question about what the organization would do regarding D.J. Humphries, whom the Chiefs acquired midseason last year. Following a contract snafu, Humphries has finally found a new home with the end of mandatory minicamp right around the corner.

Former Chiefs LT D.J. Humphries Signs With Rams After 49ers Contract Fell Apart

Humphries reportedly signed with the Los Angeles Rams, according to his agency, AMDG Sports. This is interesting not only because he was the most marquee free-agent name remaining from Kansas City's group following Mecole Hardman's signing with the Green Bay Packers, but he represents something significant.

Not only was Humphries a key player, albeit in limited starts, but he was representative of something more important: this team was terrible at left tackle and needed to make a big upgrade.

The curious question regards Humphries' future performance. He's a former Pro Bowl tackle with the Arizona Cardinals and should be respected, yet he wasn't impressive with the Chiefs, ranking 127th out of 140 qualified tackles at Pro Football Focus.

No matter what happens, he's a proven value who just didn't work out in Kansas City. Left tackle is the single biggest issue facing the roster, and it'll ultimately determine whether Patrick Mahomes can return to MVP form.

We'll see what happens, but here's hoping that losing Humphries won't destroy the 2025 campaign.

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