D.J. Humphries, a veteran offensive tackle and former Arizona Cardinals mainstay, is back on the free agent market after reports of a deal with the San Francisco 49ers turned out to be premature. Initially, there was widespread belief that Humphries had reached an agreement with the 49ers to join the team on a one-year contract. That belief was fueled by a statement from his representatives and early media coverage that indicated the two parties had agreed to terms. However, it has now been confirmed that the contract was never finalized, and Humphries remains unsigned.
The confusion highlights the often-fluid nature of NFL negotiations. Deals are frequently reported based on verbal agreements or preliminary terms, but until a player physically signs a contract and passes a medical evaluation, nothing is guaranteed. In this case, while the sides may have been in discussions, no official signing took place. The 49ers never confirmed the deal, and sources close to the organization have since clarified that no agreement was reached.
Humphries’ free agency comes after a long and respectable tenure with the Cardinals, where he was drafted 24th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. Over the course of eight seasons, he became one of Arizona’s most reliable linemen, starting over 90 games and earning praise for his athleticism and leadership. However, recent seasons have been marred by injuries. He missed significant time due to back and knee issues, which ultimately led to his release in March 2024.
Following his release, Humphries briefly joined the Kansas City Chiefs, appearing in only two games before being sidelined again. The ongoing health concerns may be a key reason the 49ers hesitated to proceed with a contract. NFL teams are cautious when it comes to players with injury histories, especially linemen, who endure consistent physical punishment. A failed medical exam or concerns raised during a physical could easily derail negotiations, regardless of prior verbal commitments.
Another factor that may have influenced the breakdown of talks is the 49ers’ evolving roster strategy. In the time since the rumored agreement with Humphries, the team signed two other offensive tackles—Andre Dillard and Nicholas Petit-Frere. These additions suggest that the 49ers have chosen to move in a different direction, seeking younger, healthier depth options to support their offensive line.
As of now, there is no indication that the 49ers and Humphries will revisit contract talks. His market remains uncertain, although teams in need of veteran help on the offensive line may circle back once training camps begin or injuries occur during the offseason. Humphries still has the experience and skill to contribute at the NFL level, provided he can stay healthy.
This situation underscores how quickly things can change in NFL free agency. Even when a deal seems imminent, various factors—from medical evaluations to front-office decisions—can alter the outcome. For D.J. Humphries, the search for a new team continues, and for the 49ers, the focus appears to have shifted elsewhere.
