The Chiefs shockingly turned down Super Bowl starter for re-signing

The Chiefs surprisingly signed former Pro Bowl LT DJ Humphries to replace the struggling Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris, although it sounds like that was the organization’s backup plan all along.

Many fans expected Kansas City to be reunited with 2023 starter and Super Bowl champion Donovan Smith. According to a new report from Nate Taylor of The Athletic, the Chiefs actively chose Humphries over Smith.

Given their respective ages and the fact that Humphries’ ceiling is higher, this is a logical decision.

“In a close call, the Chiefs decided to sign 30-year-old Humphries instead of 31-year-old Donovan Smith, who was a starter last season, according to a team source,” Taylor writes. “Humphries will make $2 million for the remainder of the season, with a cap of $4.5 million, the source said. Humphries was a 2021 Pro Bowler with the Arizona Cardinals and was out of contract this season while recovering from a torn ACL.”

Based on these comments, it sounds like Smith would have gone to Kansas City if the team had wanted him. They obviously preferred Humphries, which is somewhat puzzling given Smith’s familiarity with the offense and scheme.

“The Chiefs felt they needed to sign Humphries to further protect themselves in the event that (Wanya) Morris, who has been suffering from right knee soreness in recent weeks, misses time for the remainder of the season “Taylor continues.

This proves that they have no trust in Suamataia at the moment. He’s still a long-term option, but his rookie campaign was a mess.

Brett Veach’s hand was forced and he chose Humphries. Even though the newest Chief won’t be playing against the Raiders, he’ll be in the game sooner or later.

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