The Kansas City Chiefs suddenly have a very uncomfortable question to answer heading into Week 1:
Who is going to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side?
With Josh Simmons battling a back injury and missing Thursday’s practice, the Chiefs could find themselves turning to Kahlil Benson at left tackle when Kansas City opens the 2026 season against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
That uncertainty makes almost any veteran offensive tackle who becomes available worth discussing.
And that brings us to a familiar name: D.J. Humphries.
Matt Conner of Arrowhead Addict recently raised the issue after the Washington Commanders released Humphries, arguing that while Kansas City clearly needs some insurance at tackle, going back to Humphries would be the wrong move.
I agree.
I Understand Why Chiefs Fans Would Consider Humphries
On the surface, it makes sense.
Humphries is a former first-round pick. He has nearly 100 NFL starts under his belt. He made a Pro Bowl. Most importantly, he already knows the Kansas City Chiefs organization.
When you're staring at the possibility of an inexperienced tackle protecting Mahomes in the first game of the season, signing an experienced veteran sounds comforting.
But sometimes familiarity gives us a false sense of security.
The Chiefs already tried this.
Kansas City brought Humphries in during the 2024 season when the team was desperately searching for stability at left tackle. Instead of becoming the solution, Humphries lasted one start before suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him. Since then, his career hasn't exactly experienced a resurgence. He appeared in eight games for the Los Angeles Rams last season but started only one. Washington signed him in late August and released him just a couple of weeks later.
That doesn't scream "solution."
It screams another temporary patch.
At Some Point, You Have to Find Out What You Have
This is where I think the Chiefs may be making the right decision, even if it makes Chiefs Kingdom nervous.
Kansas City's current offensive line group includes Josh Simmons, Kahlil Benson, Jaylon Moore, Diego Pounds, Kingsley Suamataia and one of the best interior combinations in football with Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.
If Simmons can't go Monday night, Benson may get an enormous opportunity.
Is that risky?
Absolutely.
An undrafted young tackle potentially making a Week 1 start while protecting Patrick Mahomes against a division opponent on Monday Night Football isn't exactly the scenario any Chiefs fan would draw up.
But there comes a point where Kansas City has to determine whether Benson can actually play.
Training camp practices and preseason games can only tell you so much.
Eventually, the lights come on.
The Bigger Concern Is Patrick Mahomes
This situation also feels different because of what's happening behind the offensive line.
Mahomes is returning after suffering torn knee ligaments last December. He's participating fully in practice and appears ready to go for Week 1, but protecting him should be priority No. 1, No. 2 and probably No. 3 for this franchise.
That's exactly why I don't believe the Chiefs should sign a tackle simply because fans recognize his name.
If Brett Veach is going to add someone, that player needs to represent a legitimate upgrade.
That's the standard.
The question shouldn't be:
"Is D.J. Humphries experienced?"
Of course he is.
The question should be:
"Is D.J. Humphries better right now than Kahlil Benson, Jaylon Moore or the other options already on Kansas City's roster?"
Based on what we've seen over the last couple of seasons, I'm not convinced the answer is yes.
Don't Confuse Experience With Improvement
This is something NFL teams face all the time.
A recognizable veteran becomes available and immediately fans start connecting dots.
We've seen him play before.
We know his name.
He's played in big games.
He has experience.
Therefore, he must make the roster better.
Except that isn't necessarily true.
Humphries' résumé is impressive when looking at his entire career. But Kansas City wouldn't be signing the 2021 Pro Bowl version of D.J. Humphries.
They'd be signing the 2026 version.
That's an important distinction.
The Chiefs need to evaluate the player Humphries is today—not the player he was several years ago.
My Take
I'm definitely concerned about left tackle.
How could you not be?
Patrick Mahomes is coming back from a major knee injury, Josh Simmons has a back problem, and the Chiefs may have to trust an inexperienced Kahlil Benson against Denver in Week 1.
That's far from ideal.
But I also don't believe making a move simply for the sake of making a move helps anything.
If Brett Veach finds a veteran tackle who clearly improves this offensive line, absolutely go get him.
If a trade opportunity develops for a legitimate starting-caliber tackle, explore it.
But bringing back D.J. Humphries because he's available and familiar with Kansas City feels more like reacting to the problem than actually solving it.
And there's another possibility Chiefs fans should consider.
Maybe the Chiefs know something about Kahlil Benson that we don't yet.
Kansas City kept Benson on the 53-man roster for a reason. The coaching staff has watched every practice, every rep and every meeting. If Andy Reid, Andy Heck and the Chiefs' offensive staff believe Benson deserves an opportunity, I'm willing to see what the kid can do.
That doesn't mean Kansas City should stop looking for offensive tackle help.
They absolutely shouldn't.
It means the Chiefs should look for the right tackle—not simply the most familiar one available.
D.J. Humphries had his opportunity in Kansas City.
Right now, I'd rather see the Chiefs find out whether one of their young tackles can become part of the future than go back to a veteran who already showed us why he probably isn't.
What do you think, Chiefs Kingdom? Would you bring D.J. Humphries back as insurance, or would you trust Kahlil Benson and the tackles already on the roster?
This post is commentary inspired by reporting from Matt Conner of Arrowhead Addict. Kansas City Chiefs – My Take is an independent fan blog and is not affiliated with the Kansas City Chiefs or the NFL.
