The Kansas City Chiefs made a splash in free agency by signing veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, but fans hoping to see an immediate impact may need to temper their expectations. According to offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, the team plans to bring Humphries along slowly as he acclimates to a new system and recovers from last season’s ACL tear.
Keeping It Simple
Nagy emphasized that the Chiefs’ primary goal is for Humphries to perform at the high level he consistently demonstrated throughout his eight-year tenure with the Arizona Cardinals. However, the veteran coach also acknowledged that there will be an adjustment period as the 30-year-old tackle gets up to speed.
“With any player that comes off an injury or that comes to a new team on top of that, it’s going to take some time,” Nagy explained. “And I think you want to make sure that you’re making the best judgment for not just the team but for the player too so they can excel.”
– Matt Nagy, Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
Nagy’s measured approach is not surprising given the complexity of head coach Andy Reid’s offensive system. While Humphries brings a wealth of experience and a Pro Bowl pedigree to the table, he will still need time to master the nuances of the Chiefs’ playbook and develop chemistry with his new teammates.
A Proven Veteran
Despite the challenges ahead, there is little doubt that Humphries has the talent and track record to make a significant impact in Kansas City. A first-round draft pick of the Cardinals in 2015, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most reliable left tackles, starting all 16 games in each of his first three seasons.
Humphries’ consistency and durability earned him a lucrative contract extension in 2020, and he responded with a career-best season that culminated in his first Pro Bowl selection. Though he missed time due to injury in recent years, his overall body of work suggests he still has plenty of high-level football left in him.
Bolstering the Line
The Chiefs’ decision to sign Humphries is a clear indication of their commitment to protecting star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and rejuvenating a running game that struggled at times last season. With the departure of longtime starter Eric Fisher and the inconsistent play of Mike Remmers, securing a proven commodity at left tackle was a top priority for general manager Brett Veach.
Humphries’ arrival also provides valuable depth and competition along an offensive line that featured two rookies – Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia – at left tackle in 2023. While both youngsters flashed potential, their inexperience was often evident, particularly in pass protection.
The Road Ahead
As the Chiefs begin their offseason program, all eyes will be on Humphries and his progress in rehab and learning the playbook. Nagy remains optimistic that the veteran will be a valuable asset once he is fully up to speed, but he also preached patience as the team navigates this transition.
“[Humphries] is excited to get in here and just kind of learn what we do and how we do things and be a part of it,” Nagy said. “He’s experienced so he wants to be able to help out in any way possible, but there’ll be some time involved.”
– Matt Nagy, Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
For Chiefs fans eagerly anticipating a revamped offensive line and another Super Bowl run, the message from the coaching staff is clear: trust the process. With a proven veteran like Humphries in the fold and a commitment to putting him in the best position to succeed, Kansas City appears well-equipped to bounce back from last year’s disappointing finish and re-establish itself as one of the NFL’s most dominant offenses.
