The Arizona Cardinals have a few tough decisions in the coming months, one of which stems at left tackle with D.J. Humphries.
Humphries has emerged as a concrete starter along the offensive line since being made a first-round pick by the organization years ago. The Pro Bowl tackle has never reached elite status with Arizona, though he's played well and consistent enough to warrant much deserved love from fans and numerous coaching staffs, too.
Yet the NFL is nothing short of a business, and despite what your previous resume may show, only the future matters when it comes to making million-dollar decisions.
Humphries is still on the roster, though he's considered a prime cut candidate for Arizona for a variety of reasons - his age (30), contract status (two years left) and health (suffered an ACL tear at the end of 2023) being the most notable.
Arizona could save roughly $9 million by parting ways with Humphries, though it's expected he would apply for an injury settlement that would knock that figure down a million or two.
It's unclear exactly what will happen, though Humphries recently appeared on former Cardinals OL Justin Pugh's podcast - NetWorth With Justin Pugh - and briefly discussed his rehab.
“Everything was great with the knee. Swelling is way down. Moving good, past 90 degree flexion & got my extension back. We’re rolling man. Two more weeks I’ll be off these damn crutches, I’m so excited," he said (h/t Zach Gershman).
Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort - who will be tasked with making the tough call at some point this offseason - offered this to reporters earlier at the NFL Combine:
"It was unfortunate for Hump the timing of the injury," Ossenfort said. "It's a difficult situation. All I can say is Hump has been in the facility every day, he is grinding through rehab, and I know he will put himself in the best position to be ready to play."
Arizona plans to do extensive work on offensive linemen as prospects such as Olu Fashanu and JC Latham confirmed they met with the team during the Combine.
"Offensive line, in my mind, that's where I look to first because there are five guys with a tough job in the run game and pass game," Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said (h/t AZCardinals.com)
"And then, how many playmakers can we surround Kyler with, and that comes in all shapes and sizes."
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