San Francisco 49ers Add Veteran Tackle D.J. Humphries to Bolster Offensive Line Depth

The San Francisco 49ers have filled a mounting need for depth on the offensive line by signing veteran tackle D.J. Humphries. The ex-Arizona Cardinal and Kansas City Chief have signed with San Francisco, his agency, AMDG Sports, announced. Humphries, 31, is coming off a tough 2024 season that included rehabilitation from a torn ACL and hamstring damage after a stint with the Chiefs. His addition gives the 49ers a veteran and possibly high-ceiling option at tackle, particularly with swing tackle Jaylon Moore departing for Kansas City.

Though terms of the deal were not disclosed, the timing and circumstances of the signing leave no question that this is a depth signing with possible starting implications. The 49ers did nothing of substance at tackle in free agency or the draft. Humphries is now the most experienced reserve behind incumbents Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz.

It is a smart, low-risk adjustment after the draft, especially since the Falcons will not fall behind in the compensatory pick calculation for completing the trade. Even though expectations have to be dialed back because Humphries recently had health concerns and performed subpar in Kansas City, his resume is quality enough to capture coaches’ and fans’ attention.

Humphries Signing Adds Needed Depth – and a Potential Battle

The 49ers had to fill a void on the line of offense when swing tackle Jaylon Moore went to the Chiefs in free agency. Without any draft pick or free agent addition earlier this offseason, Head Coach Kyle Shanahan was uncertain who would back up the tackle spots heading into training camp. That answer is now settled with the signing of Humphries, who when healthy, has been a solid NFL starter. Even if he is not the same guy who made the Pro Bowl in 2021, he brings needed depth and versatility to the roster.

While Humphries will be a swing tackle to begin, there’s legitimate potential for playing time. McKivitz, the right tackle on the team, did struggle at times in 2024, and the 49ers may seek upgrades if problems persist. Humphries hasn’t been a starting right tackle since 2016, but in a desperation or competition scenario, he might be called upon to relearn the position. With Williams’ age and injury history, Humphries could also be an insurance policy on the left side.

A Once-Reliable Starter Seeking Redemption

Humphries entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2015 and became a regular left tackle shortly after. He played 98 games over eight seasons for the Cardinals, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and blocking for several quarterbacks during his time with the team. With his feet and strength in the run game, Humphries was once the anchor of the offensive line. Unfortunately, the injuries began to pile up, like the ACL injury that ruined his 2023 season and effectively ended his Arizona days.

His stay in Kansas City was short-lived. Inked late in the 2024 campaign, Humphries appeared in just two games, sidelined for significant time by a hamstring injury. When he did play, he seemed out of shape and out of rhythm, giving up two sacks and notching a league-low blown block percentage. However, a full offseason to mend and prepare may allow the veteran to recapture the form that made him one of the NFC’s more consistent tackles for nearly a decade.

Final Thoughts

The 49ers are taking a risk on an affordable, high-ceiling veteran to anchor their offensive line for a make-or-break season. While Humphries is not guaranteed to be a starter, he enhances the depth chart significantly just by being there. If he can stay healthy and get acclimated to the system, he can become a significant contributor to a Super Bowl-contending roster. At least, the 49ers now have a swing tackle with nearly 100 career starts. A luxury, not many teams can afford.