Chiefs Pin Their Hopes on D.J. Humphries — The Key to Keeping Mahomes Safe?

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line has seen its fair share of challenges this season, but the arrival of veteran tackle D.J. Humphries could provide much-needed stability. After signing with the team last week, Humphries immediately felt the welcoming spirit of his new teammates.

“Everybody’s excited for me to be here,” Humphries shared. “Coming from one place for so long, then going somewhere new and being welcomed with open arms by All-Pro players—it’s crazy.”

That excitement is well-founded. Humphries has the potential to be a key figure in the Chiefs’ bid for a third consecutive Super Bowl title.

Chiefs’ Left Tackle Woes

The Chiefs have faced difficulties at the left tackle position all season. Rookie Kingsley Suamataia started the season but was benched in Week 2 after a lackluster performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. His replacement, Wanya Morris, also struggled, allowing three sacks in last week’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders before being pulled in the fourth quarter.

“Good players have gotten the better of us, but these are things young guys will learn from,” said head coach Andy Reid. “It’s a great learning experience, and they’ll be better for it down the road.”

A Proven Veteran Joins the Team

The Chiefs signed Humphries, a seasoned 30-year-old tackle who started for eight years with the Arizona Cardinals and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. Despite tearing his ACL late last season, Humphries is determined to revive his career.

While Reid has yet to confirm if Humphries will start Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the veteran is ready to step in as soon as he’s called upon. “We’ll play it by ear,” Reid explained. “If he feels OK, we’ll give him the opportunity. If not, we’ll wait until he’s ready.”

Humphries expressed gratitude for the opportunity. After being released by the Cardinals, many assumed his career was over—a notion he vehemently rejected.

“Retirement wasn’t on my mind,” Humphries said. “But people’s reactions, like, ‘You had a great career, what a run,’ were tough to hear. You find out a lot about yourself during moments like that.”

Support from Family and Teammates

Humphries’ decision to join the Chiefs was influenced by a surprising source—his eight-year-old son, Dash. Shortly after his release, Dash confidently told him, “You should go to Kansas City so you can play with Patrick Mahomes and win a Super Bowl.”

That suggestion stuck with Humphries, and when the Chiefs reached out, he saw it as destiny. “I’ve been calling [Dash] every day saying, ‘Man, you’re a trip. You spoke it.’”

Former teammate and Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins also reached out, urging Humphries to join the team. However, Dash’s unwavering belief in his dad’s future with Kansas City was the ultimate motivator.

Mahomes Remains Focused

Patrick Mahomes, who has faced instability at left tackle all season, remains unfazed. Despite being sacked five times in each of the past two games, Mahomes trusts his linemen.

“I’ve played with all those guys before, and I know they’re out there battling,” Mahomes said. “I focus on my process and try to stay within the offense. When things break down, I just try to make plays.”

While Mahomes admitted frustration after a key red-zone sack against the Raiders, he clarified that it stemmed from missed opportunities. “I felt like there were people open, and we didn’t execute at a high enough level. That’s what was upsetting,” he explained.

Chiefs’ Path Forward

Humphries brings much-needed experience to an offensive line struggling to protect its star quarterback. Reid remains optimistic about the development of young players like Suamataia and Morris but understands the value of veteran leadership.

With the playoffs on the horizon, the Chiefs hope Humphries can provide the stability needed to fortify their offensive line. As Mahomes continues to perform at an elite level, the addition of Humphries could be the missing piece in Kansas City’s quest for another Super Bowl victory.

D.J. Humphries’ journey to the Kansas City Chiefs is a testament to resilience and belief, both in himself and from those around him. For the Chiefs, his arrival couldn’t have come at a better time. With Humphries’ experience and determination, paired with Patrick Mahomes’ leadership, the team is poised to tackle its offensive challenges and keep its championship dreams alive.