Days after the 2025 NFL Draft, it was reported that veteran offensive lineman D.J. Humphries had agreed to a deal with the San Francisco 49ers. The 31-year-old offensive line just recently played with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, and appeared to be a nice depth signing for the 49ers.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the veteran lineman will not play in San Francisco this season.
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Humphries didn’t agree to terms on a deal, and the contract was finalized despite what his agency/representation announced late last month.
Maiocco adds “nothing appears imminent” on Humphries' front as the 49ers signed Andre Dillard and Nicholas Petit-Frere. Dillard or Petit-Frere are exciting options, but San Francisco is banking on their coaches to get something out of them.
This is shocking news, but it makes sense why the 49ers doubled up on tackles after the draft in free agency with Dillard and Petit-Frere. The 31-year-old Humphries heads back to free agency after only playing two games with the Chiefs.
The veteran lineman didn’t sign until late in the 2024 season as he was rehabbing from a torn ACL he sustained in 2023. Humphries made his Chiefs’ debut in Week 14 as their starting left tackle, but he got banged up, suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games.
The veteran lineman saw some snaps in Kansas City’s regular season finale against the Denver Broncos, but did not return to the starting lineup through the playoffs. Nonetheless, if Humphries can show he’s healthy, the veteran tackle should land another opportunity before training camp this summer.
Meanwhile, the 49ers hope Dillard or Pretit-Frerer emerges as a competent backup left tackle behind Trent Williams as they look to replace Jaylon Moore, who left in free agency to go to Kansas City.