The Washington Commanders have been eager to raise the tempo this week. Head coach Dan Quinn wasn't satisfied with the intensity or performance levels during their preseason loss to the Detroit Lions, and drastic measures are being taken to increase urgency across the board.
General manager Adam Peters' latest move was to sign veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries to a one-year deal, making fellow edge protector Foster Sarell surplus to requirements in his typically cutthroat fashion.
And this has more than one benefit for a protection that has come under severe criticism since five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil went down with a torn triceps.
Commanders' signing D.J. Humphries brings a hidden benefit that's been overlooked
Humphries won't be anything more than an insurance policy initially. He was a Pro Bowl-caliber performer at the peak of his powers, but those days are seemingly long gone.
After turning out in three starts for the Los Angeles Rams last season, it quickly became clear his powers are waning. The league saw it as well, and the 2015 first-round pick out of Florida has been looking for work ever since.
The Commanders believe Humphries may have something to offer. This won't impact the plan for 2024 third-round selection Brandon Coleman to start on the blindside, but it does provide Washington with a more accomplished swing tackle if one of the starting options is forced to miss time.
This also increases the flexibility on the interior.
D.J. Humphries signing could help Commanders solve interior issues
Starting center Nick Allegretti is still recovering from a calf strain suffered on the first day of training camp. Sam Cosmi is a rock-solid presence at right guard, but there are doubts about Chris Paul's ability to provide the consistency required at left guard without Tunsil to lean on.
Humphries emerging as the competent swing tackle frees up Andrew Wylie to potentially compete with Paul at left guard. The two-time Super Bowl winner looked exposed on the edge but much more comfortable on the interior. Perhaps now, he can make a late push for a starting job.
It's not ideal. The offensive line was expected to be among Washington's biggest strengths this season, but Tunsil's injury changed everything in the blink of an eye.
The Commanders need to get Humphries up to speed quickly. He passed a physical, but the lineman may not be in genuine football shape just yet. He's experienced enough to have kept his conditioning high while waiting for another opportunity, and Washington is unlikely to task him with any starting reps unless disaster strikes.
But what this move does is widen the options elsewhere on the depth chart.
This adds another fascinating dynamic for fans to monitor.
Humphries' recent production doesn't exactly inspire confidence. The regression from his Pro Bowl season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 cannot be ignored, and this might be his last ride in the NFL. But if he can provide depth and leadership in Tunsil's absence, that will be enough for the Commanders.
And if it gives Quinn the freedom to challenge Paul at the left guard spot with Wylie, that represents an added bonus.
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