Commanders Add D.J. Humphries as Tunsil Faces Season-Long Absence
Washington signs the former Pro Bowler to a one-year deal after Laremy Tunsil's torn triceps, but he lands as depth — not a fantasy fix.
Coleman's the LT until Tunsil returns — monitor his pass-pro before trusting Washington skill guys.
- Humphries signing a one-year deal in Washington
- Tunsil tore triceps Aug. 8, likely out most of 2026
- Tunsil's extension: 2 yrs, $60.2M ($30M/yr)
- Humphries topped 8 games once in the last 4 years
- Brandon Coleman named starting LT in Tunsil's absence
Washington is patching its offensive line the hard way. The Commanders are set to sign former Pro Bowl left tackle D.J. Humphries to a one-year contract, per ESPN, after losing left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a torn triceps that's expected to sideline him for most — possibly all — of the 2026 season. Tunsil went down Aug. 8 in practice while trying to stop a bull rush from edge rusher Odafe Oweh, then needed surgery.
The timing stings. Washington had just made Tunsil the highest-paid left tackle in football, a two-year, $60.2 million extension that pushed him past $30 million per year and reset the position's market for the second time in his career. Now that money's on the shelf, and the team that publicly said it wouldn't shop outside for help just did exactly that.
Don't Confuse Names With Production
Humphries carries a Pro Bowl pedigree, but that's a 2021 memory. In the four seasons since, he's cleared eight games played just once. He suited up for only two games with Kansas City in 2024 and eight with the Rams last season, and Washington now marks his fourth team in four years. This is a depth signing, full stop — he's projected for a second- or third-team role, competing with Andrew Wylie for the backup job.
Coach Dan Quinn already settled the starting picture: Brandon Coleman takes over at left tackle for as long as Tunsil is out, with Josh Conerly Jr. locked in as the No. 2 on the right side. Quinn's stance suggests the staff is comfortable riding with Coleman, and Humphries is here for experience and locker-room competition more than snaps.
The Fantasy Fallout
Offensive linemen don't score fantasy points, so the real question is what a downgrade from an elite blindside protector to Coleman does to Washington's skill guys. Fewer clean pockets can mean quicker throws, more pressure and a shakier floor for the passing game — worth tracking closely through the early weeks.
The actionable move: this is a WATCH situation, not a panic button. Keep an eye on how Coleman holds up in pass protection before leaning hard on Washington's aerial pieces in season-long or DFS builds. Humphries himself is irrelevant for fantasy purposes — he's insurance, not an answer.
