Commanders sign veteran tackle D.J. Humphries after Laremy Tunsil injury
The Washington Commanders have signed veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries to a one-year contract, according to multiple sources. ESPN first reported the move, which adds depth to a unit that recently lost its starting left tackle, Laremy Tunsil, to a torn triceps.
Tunsil's injury occurred during practice on Aug. 8 while he was attempting to block a bull rush from edge rusher Odafe Oweh, as reported by CBS Sports. He underwent surgery and is expected to miss most of the 2026 season, with the risk of missing the entire campaign.
The timing of the injury was particularly difficult given Tunsil's recent contract. He had just signed a two-year, $60.2 million extension that made him the highest-paid left tackle in NFL history, averaging $30 million annually. This was the second time Tunsil has reset the left tackle market.
The team quickly moved to fill the void, shifting Brandon Coleman from the left guard competition with Chris Paul to starting left tackle. Coach Dan Quinn announced the change, noting the team originally was not planning to look outside for help, but that changed with the Humphrey's signing.
D.J. Humphries' recent career
Humphries, a former first-round pick in 2015, has appeared in 108 career games with 101 starts, mostly at left tackle for the Arizona Cardinals, with a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. More recently, he played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, making two starts, and the Los Angeles Rams in 2025, appearing in eight games with only one start.
His performance with the Rams, according to Pro Football Focus grades, was not very impressive: an overall grade of 41.9, a pass-blocking grade of 54.1, and a run-blocking grade of 36.7 over 84 offensive snaps, allowing five pressures and one sack.
As reported by CBS Sports, Humphries has regressed over the last four years and is expected to serve as a second- or third-team role on his new team, rather than a viable starter. His arrival adds another experienced option for the Commanders, who had already signed offensive linemen Daniel Brunskill, Nicholas Petit-Frere, and Max Scharping this summer.
Depth and roster decisions
The 2026 season is set to would be tested as the team transitions to a joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens and finalizes its roster before the season's final preseason game and cut to 53. As reported, the team is weighing Humphries alongside Brandon Coleman and Nicholas (Petit-Frere for final roster decisions.
Josh Conerly Jr. remains the locked-in right regular on the right side. With Humphries joining the mix, the Commanders have several veteran tackle options but a limited amount of time before the roster must be finalized.