Chiefs latest acquisition could boost their Super Bowl hopes
The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to sign offensive tackle DJ Humphries could be the catalyst for them to make history in the National Football League (NFL) this season.
Humphries was released by the Arizona Cardinals after nine seasons in March this year and his time at the top level of American Football looked to be over.
However, the Chiefs have decided he is the right man to offer additional protection to quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The move could be inspired.
Despite posting an 11-1 record after 12 regular season games, bookmakers think the Chiefs will come up short in their quest to win their third successive Super Bowl.
The latest NFL odds on Betway Sports rates them as 5/1 shots to get the job done. The Detroit Lions have been favourites for most of the season and retain that status.
Humphries’ addition to the ranks could be a game-changer for the Chiefs, giving Mahomes more freedom to keep working his magic.
The Chiefs were the first team to clinch a post-season berth this year, and are just the 11th team in NFL history to achieve the feat with five weeks left to spare.
Mahomes is now the franchise's all-time leader in passing touchdowns having recently moved past Pro Football Hall of Famer Len Dawson in the standings.
He has also tied the record for the fewest starts to reach 100 wins as a quarterback, equalling the legendary Tom Brady’s record of 126 games.
His efforts have fired the Chiefs into contention for another tilt at the Super Bowl, despite the team’s struggles with its left tackle starters this season.
Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris have both been removed from the line-up this term, yet Mahomes has still found ways to keep the Chiefs winning.
Humphries’ experience could be crucial down the home stretch, although he may take some time to get up to speed after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
He tore his anterior cruciate ligament towards the end of last season and hasn't played in the NFL since, but should be a useful weapon for the Chiefs down the final stretch.
The 30-year-old had been written off in certain quarters, but he remained convinced that he would eventually secure another opportunity in the NFL.
"Retirement wasn't really ever on my mind, but just the response and how people kind of perceive what was going on, it kind of caught me off guard,” Humphries said.
"I think that was the toughest part about the whole thing was kind of like people expect me to just tuck it right now.
"You find out stuff about yourself when you go through stuff like that. I knew I was a tough guy already, but having to go through those things and getting texts that read, 'You had such a great career, man, what a run’.
“Those texts were really trying for me - people just assuming it's over because I'm hurt.”
If Humphries returns to the form that earned a place in the 2021 Pro Bowl, the Chiefs could have the final piece they need to cement their place in NFL history.