In a significant move to strengthen their offensive line, the Los Angeles Rams have agreed to a contract with veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, as announced by his agency, AMDG Sports, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The 31-year-old former first-round pick brings a wealth of experience and versatility to a Rams team looking to solidify their tackle depth as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. This signing comes after Humphries was reportedly close to joining the San Francisco 49ers earlier this offseason, a deal that ultimately fell through, and follows a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024.
A Veteran Presence for a Loaded Tackle Room
Humphries, a 10-year NFL veteran, was selected 24th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2015 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida. He spent the majority of his career with the Cardinals (2015–2023), establishing himself as a reliable and versatile tackle capable of playing both left and right tackle. His agency highlighted his signing with the Rams, noting his experience and flexibility as key assets.
The Rams’ offensive tackle room is already stacked with talent, featuring established starters Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein, who are expected to hold down the left and right tackle positions, respectively, barring injury. Behind them, the team boasts a mix of veterans and young players, including AJ Arcuri, KT Leveston, Warren McClendon Jr., Trey Wedig, David Quessenberry, and now Humphries, all competing for backup roles. Humphries’ addition provides critical experienced depth, particularly at left tackle, where the Rams have sought stability.
The #Rams reached agreement on a deal with former longtime #Cardinals OT DJ Humphries, who spent the end of last season with the #Chiefs, per @SportsAmdg.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 12, 2025
Humphries was supposed to sign with the 49ers in late April but the deal was never finalized. pic.twitter.com/9TgAfqPVF7
Head coach Sean McVay, known for his meticulous approach to team-building, is likely to integrate Humphries through the team’s standard induction process, which includes showcasing film of the player to the roster. This process was recently highlighted by McVay when discussing the integration of star wide receiver Davante Adams, indicating the Rams’ emphasis on ensuring new players align with the team’s culture and scheme.
Humphries’ Journey: From Arizona to Kansas City to Los Angeles
Humphries’ path to the Rams has been marked by resilience and adaptability. After spending nine seasons with the Cardinals, where he earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021, Humphries suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 of the 2023 season. The injury led to his release by Arizona in the 2024 offseason as the team managed their salary cap.
In 2024, Humphries joined the Kansas City Chiefs late in the season as they searched for a solution at left tackle. He made his debut in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers but was sidelined early due to a hamstring injury. Humphries returned to the starting lineup in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos and also played in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. His brief but impactful stint with Kansas City showcased his ability to step into high-pressure situations despite limited recent playing time.
Earlier this offseason, Humphries was reportedly close to signing with the San Francisco 49ers, with his agency even announcing a deal in late April. However, sources later confirmed that no contract was finalized, and the 49ers moved on, signing veteran offensive linemen Andre Dillard and Nicholas Petit-Frere instead. Humphries remained a free agent until the Rams secured his services, a move that has been met with enthusiasm from analysts and fans alike.
Why the Rams Made the Move
The Rams’ decision to sign Humphries aligns with their strategy of building a robust and flexible roster to compete in a highly competitive NFC West. With a projected $19.5 million in cap space for the 2025 season and an estimated $72 million in 2026, general manager Les Snead has the financial flexibility to make strategic additions like Humphries without compromising future commitments.
Humphries’ signing addresses a key area of concern for the Rams: offensive line depth. While Jackson and Havenstein form a solid starting duo, injuries and performance inconsistencies among backups have been a recurring issue. Humphries, with his ability to play both tackle positions, offers a proven veteran option who can step in if needed. His experience in high-stakes games, including a Super Bowl appearance, adds a layer of reliability that younger players like Arcuri or McClendon may not yet provide.
Posts on X reflect positive sentiment toward the signing, with analysts praising Humphries’ addition as a “smart move” for the Rams. One user noted, “I actually like this signing much more than the David Quessenberry addition. Provides experienced LT depth which the Rams need badly. Someone that can be relied on if needed.” Another highlighted Humphries’ versatility, stating, “Rams have bulked up their depth on both sides of the ball in the last 3 days with the signings of LT DJ Humphries and DL Decarious Hawthorne.”
What Humphries Brings to the Rams
At 31, Humphries remains a capable lineman with the physical tools and football IQ to contribute meaningfully. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 307 pounds, he possesses the size and athleticism to handle the NFL’s premier edge rushers. His Pro Bowl season in 2021 demonstrated his ability to anchor the left side of the line, and his experience on the right side adds schematic flexibility for offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.
Humphries’ injury history, including the 2023 ACL tear and the 2024 hamstring issue, may raise questions about his durability, but his performance in Kansas City’s postseason run suggests he can still compete at a high level when healthy. The Rams, who have navigated injury challenges with their offensive line in recent years, are likely banking on Humphries’ veteran savvy to provide stability and mentorship to younger players.
The Bigger Picture: Rams’ 2025 Outlook
The signing of Humphries is part of a broader effort by the Rams to build a championship-caliber roster for 2025. With quarterback Matthew Stafford secured on a restructured $84 million deal through 2026, and key contributors like running back Kyren Williams and wide receiver Davante Adams in the fold, Los Angeles is positioning itself as a contender. The team’s 2025 schedule, which includes high-profile matchups against the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers, underscores the need for a reliable offensive line to protect Stafford and sustain the run game.
The Rams have also made headlines with their draft and free agency moves. They recently signed 19 rookies from their 2025 draft class, including running back Jarquez Hunter, though second-round pick Terrance Ferguson remains unsigned. Additionally, the team has been linked to a potential trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, a former Ram who could bolster their secondary. These moves, combined with Humphries’ signing, signal an aggressive approach to addressing roster needs.
Challenges and Expectations
While Humphries’ signing is a clear win for the Rams, integrating him into an already crowded tackle room presents challenges. With Jackson and Havenstein entrenched as starters, Humphries will likely compete for a backup role, which may require him to adapt to a reduced snap count compared to his days as a full-time starter in Arizona. His ability to stay healthy will also be critical, as the Rams cannot afford to lose depth due to recurring injuries.
Expectations for Humphries are tempered but optimistic. He is not being asked to anchor the line but rather to provide insurance and flexibility. If he can replicate the steady play he showed in Kansas City, the Rams will have a valuable asset on their hands. For Humphries, this contract represents an opportunity to extend his career with a playoff-contending team and potentially add to his postseason resume.
Wrapping It Up
The Los Angeles Rams’ agreement with D.J. Humphries is a strategic addition that enhances their offensive line depth and underscores their commitment to competing in 2025. Humphries’ experience, versatility, and recent Super Bowl pedigree make him an ideal fit for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. While challenges remain, including his injury history and integration into a deep tackle group, the move has been widely praised as a savvy pickup for a franchise looking to capitalize on its current window of contention.
As the Rams prepare for their season opener against the Houston Texans, Humphries’ signing sends a clear message: Los Angeles is all-in on building a roster capable of reclaiming the NFC West and making a deep playoff run. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Humphries contributes to that goal.
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