The Rams have made a strategic move to secure their offensive line by signing veteran left tackle D.J. Humphries to a one-year contract, a decision prompted by health concerns surrounding their starting left tackle, Alaric Jackson. With Jackson recently diagnosed with blood clots in his leg—a recurring issue from 2022—the Rams acted swiftly to ensure depth and stability at a critical position. The details of Humphries’ contract, now public, shed light on his likely role with the team and the Rams’ confidence in his ability to step up, potentially as a Week 1 starter.
According to salary cap data from Over The Cap, Humphries’ one-year deal is valued at $2.5 million, with $2.34 million guaranteed and a cap hit of $2.36 million for the 2025 season. This contract structure signals that Humphries is far more than a temporary placeholder. The significant guaranteed money—higher than the $1.5 million he received from the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 on a $5 million deal—underscores the Rams’ commitment to keeping him on the roster. Cutting Humphries would result in $2.34 million in dead money while saving just $18,824 in cap space, making it highly unlikely the Rams would release him. Instead, Humphries appears poised to secure a spot on the 53-man roster and could compete for the starting left tackle role if Jackson’s recovery timeline extends.
Humphries, a former first-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2015, brings a wealth of experience to Los Angeles. With 100 career starts and a Pro Bowl nod in 2021, he offers proven reliability at a position where the Rams cannot afford uncertainty. His signing is a coup for a team that faced limited options at left tackle after Jackson’s diagnosis, which came just months after he inked a three-year, $57.75 million contract. Head coach Sean McVay has acknowledged the uncertainty at the position, but Humphries’ track record provides a reassuring fallback.
The Rams’ offensive line will be under scrutiny as the 2025 season approaches, particularly with quarterback Matthew Stafford relying on strong protection to execute McVay’s play-action-heavy scheme. Humphries’ ability to step in seamlessly could prove pivotal, especially if Jackson misses time early in the season. His contract not only reflects the Rams’ urgency to address a potential vulnerability but also their belief that Humphries can deliver as a starter.
As training camp nears, all eyes will be on the left tackle competition. Humphries’ experience and the financial commitment to him suggest he’s more than just insurance—he’s a legitimate contender to anchor the Rams’ offensive line from the outset. For a team with playoff aspirations, this move could be a defining factor in maintaining offensive stability in the face of adversity.
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