The Green Bay Packers could still need more offensive line depth, and a seasoned Pro Bowler in D.J. Humphries is available in free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine shared a list of free agents the Packers should try to get. Ryan Tannehill and Adoree’ Jackson were mentioned, along with Humphries.
“If they feel [Jordan Morgan is] going to need some technical work before trying to play tackle in the league, then they would need to bring in someone to compete with [Rasheed] Walker for the starting job,” Ballentine wrote. “D.J. Humphries is one of the best options available.”
It may not be the most exciting move for the Packers. However, an experienced veteran could be a great addition this late in free agency.
Who Is D.J. Humphries?
The Arizona Cardinals let go of Humphries this offseason. However, the 30-year-old should have plenty of potential left.
Expectations have always been high for Humphries. When he graduated from high school, he was a 5-star recruit and the top offensive tackle in the nation. His offers included almost every leading FBS program, but he chose to play for the Florida Gators.
Humphries started college on a strong note. He was named a freshman All-American in 2012 before holding down the left tackle spot for the rest of his college career. The standout offensive lineman left the Gators a year early to enter the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Cardinals drafted Humphries with the 24th overall pick. However, he had a tough start. He was inactive for every game during his first year, unable to break into the starting lineup.
Humphries used that as motivation. Since 2016, he’s played and started in 98 games. He had his best year in 2021, earning Pro Bowl honors. He was then given a three-year, $67 million extension, but he was released this offseason.
Pro Football Focus highlights Humphries’ consistency, with his overall grade never dipping below 62.5 in a single season. Even though he's now 30 years old, Humphries has remained a dependable offensive lineman when healthy. A team like the Packers could benefit from his experience in 2024.
The Packers Continue to Add OL Depth
The Packers have been actively adding more depth on the offensive line this offseason. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility of adding a veteran like Humphries.
General manager Brian Gutekunst tripled up on offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft. Along with first-round pick Jordan Morgan, the Packers also added Jacob Monk and Travis Glover on Day 3.
The Packers also brought in a different veteran offensive lineman through free agency. Gutekunst and his staff signed Andre Dillard to a one-year deal with no guarantees before the draft. This suggests that the Packers aren’t completely confident that the former first-round pick will make the final 53-man roster.
While Dillard has struggled as a former first-round pick, a veteran like Humphries could be a much more viable option if the Packers are willing to take a chance on the 30-year-old tackle.
