D.J. Humphries released by the Commanders on Friday, just two days before Washington’s season opener against Philadelphia. The timing wasn’t a coincidence — his entire season salary would have become guaranteed had he stayed on the roster through Sunday.
A Short, Quiet Stay in Washington
Humphries signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal with Washington in late August, arriving as depth insurance after Laremy Tunsil’s torn triceps forced the team to reshuffle its offensive line. Brandon Coleman had already been installed as the starting left tackle by the time Humphries joined, and the veteran never carved out a bigger role.
He appeared in Washington’s joint practice against Baltimore and the preseason finale that followed, but that was the extent of his time in burgundy and gold.
The Guarantee That Forced the Move
As a vested veteran with more than four accrued NFL seasons, Humphries’ full salary would have converted to fully guaranteed money the moment he made Washington’s Week 1 roster.
Cutting him before Sunday let the team avoid that obligation entirely.
What It Means for the Tackle Depth
Washington now carries just three tackles on its 53-man roster: Coleman, right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., and swing tackle Andrew Wylie. Trent Scott and Esa Pole remain the only other options, both on the practice squad.
The move signals real confidence in Coleman’s ability to hold down the blind side without a direct backup pushing him. Commanders reporter JP Finlay captured the general reaction online. “This is interesting,” he wrote. “I’m curious what the corresponding move will be.”
A Long Career Winding Down
Humphries, 32, was a first-round pick out of Florida in 2015. The big tackle spent most of his career as a fixture on Arizona’s offensive line. He made a Pro Bowl and signed two separate lucrative extensions before a torn ACL late in 2023. He’s played sparingly since, with brief stints in Kansas City and Los Angeles before this short-lived run in Washington.
The Slot
No corresponding roster move was announced, leaving Washington with an open spot heading into the opener. Only 48 players of the 53-Man roster can dress on game day regardless.
Edit: John Keim tweeted later in the afternoon that Julian Good-Jones had been called to the active roster in lieu of Humphries departure. It’s doubtful that he would even be one of the 48 on the active roster tomorrow.
Dorance Armstrong is currently serving a one-game suspension, and seems likely to take the roster spot on Monday.