The Washington Commanders strengthened their offensive line ahead of the 2026 season by signing offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, a veteran who has earned a Pro Bowl selection during his NFL career.
Washington officially announced the signing on Aug. 26. Humphries spent most of his career with the Arizona Cardinals and played eight games for the Los Angeles Rams during the 2025 season. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Who is D.J. Humphries?
Humphries was selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft by Arizona and has built a career spanning more than a decade.
The tackle has appeared in 108 games and made 101 starts. His biggest individual recognition came in 2021, when he was selected to the Pro Bowl as a member of the Cardinals. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
His experience is one of the biggest reasons Washington added him, particularly as the team needs immediate depth along the offensive line.
Laremy Tunsil's injury changed the plans
Humphries' arrival becomes more important after Laremy Tunsil suffered an injury that will keep him out for part of Washington's preparation.
The situation forced the Commanders to look for an experienced alternative to prevent offensive-line depth from becoming a major problem during the season.
Humphries is not necessarily arriving as a permanent replacement for Tunsil, but he gives Washington an experienced option if the team needs to adjust its lineup.
Washington wants to protect Jayden Daniels
The move is also directly connected to the development of Jayden Daniels. The quarterback is one of the central pieces of Washington's project and needs an offensive line capable of giving him time to throw and room for the running game.
Adding a veteran with more than 100 starts gives the coaching staff another option while it evaluates the health of injured players.
Protecting Daniels will be one of the most important factors in determining whether the Commanders can meet their goals during the 2026 season.
Humphries brings recent NFL experience
Although most of his NFL career came in Arizona, Humphries also played for the Rams last season. In 2025, he appeared in eight games and made one start. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
That means he is not arriving after an extended period completely away from the league. Washington can use the next few weeks to evaluate his physical condition and determine how he fits into the offensive structure.
An important move before roster cuts
The signing comes as NFL teams reduce their rosters and evaluate their final available spots. Washington has also made other moves in recent days while building its final roster.
The team has announced additions and departures at several positions, highlighting the intensity of the final days before the 53-man roster deadline.
Humphries' addition is particularly valuable because experience at offensive tackle can become critical very quickly when injuries affect the starting lineup.
What can D.J. Humphries provide?
Experience will be Humphries' primary contribution. A tackle with 101 starts gives Washington a more proven alternative if the offensive line needs adjustments during the season.
He will also have an opportunity to compete for playing time and show that he can still provide a level of performance capable of helping the team regularly.
For the Commanders, the move is a reasonable investment at a stage when depth can make a major difference. The team needs not only talented starters but also players capable of taking on responsibilities when injuries occur.
Signing D.J. Humphries does not automatically solve every problem along Washington's offensive line, but it gives the Commanders an experienced piece at a time when they need more options to protect Jayden Daniels.