Injuries to the skill positions in 2024 killed the San Francisco 49ers' playoff hopes. One of the best ways to mitigate skill position injuries is to get top quality offensive linemen - and the 49ers have set out to do just that.
After taking only one offensive lineman in the entire 2025 draft (Iowa guard Connor Colby in the seventh round), the 49ers decided to add another big man to their front five. According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, the agency representing Pro Bowl offensive tackle D.J. Humphries confirmed that he will be signing with the team.
"Veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries is signing with the #49ers, per his agency @SportsAmdg," Fowler wrote.
Veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries is signing with the #49ers, per his agency @SportsAmdg.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 29, 2025
Humphries was the No. 24 ovearll pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2015 NFL Draft following a standout career at Florida. Unfortunately, the first few years of his career were marred by injury.
From 2016 to 2018, Humphries played in just 27 games. But between 2019 and 2021, Humphries got healthy and really started to excel. He played 48 games over those three seasons and was rewarded with his first Pro Bowl selection in 2021.
But the injuries have come back to bite him over the last three years, limiting him to 25 games over these past three seasons. In 2024, he played for the Kansas City Chiefs. While he only appeared for them in a few games, he got to be a part of their postseason run.
At 31 years of age, Humphies should be in his prime, but the injuries - which include multiple knee injuries - have probably lowered the life expectancy of his career significantly.
Will Humphries enjoy a resurgence with the 49ers?
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!