GLENDALE, Ariz. — This week marked the start of the new league year for the NFL. It also signaled the end for a Cardinals fan-favorite.
D.J. Humphries was released by Arizona Wednesday afternoon. Humphries earned a Pro Bowl appearance and team captain nomination four times during his nine years with the Cardinals.
He earned a 'C' on his jersey even after being inactive during his 2015 rookie season, eventually maturing to become the anchor of the offensive line.
Humphries started all 98 games he appeared in, but it was the last one -- New Year's Eve 2023 in Philadelphia -- that put his future with the Cardinals in jeopardy. A torn ACL injury that late in the season, combined with a long rehab, made for an unlikely return in 2024.
Just two weeks ago at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort may have made the unofficial announcement regarding Humphries' remaining time with the team.
"(It's a) hard injury," Ossenfort said. "It was too bad for Hump, the timing of the injury. It's a difficult situation.
"He's been in the facility every day. He's grinding through rehab," said Ossenfort. "I know he's going to put himself in the best situation to play. It's a tough situation and it goes back to the unfortunate nature of injuries in football."
The injury, the lengthy rehab and a $22.9 million salary cap hit made it clear that it was time for the Cardinals and Humphries to part ways.
Shortly after Humphries' release, 12News confirmed the Cardinals' plan to sign free agent tackle Jonah Williams, who was the Bengals' first-round pick in 2019 out of Alabama.
The 26-year-old has started all 59 games he's played in, most of which were at left tackle. He's younger and healthier than Humphries, so the two-year, $30 million deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, is a significant gain.
Paris Johnson Jr. was the Cardinals' first-round pick in 2023 and started all 17 games at right tackle. He has said he's ready to work out on the left side of the line, too.
Whether it's Williams or Johnson Jr. at left tackle, the Cardinals appear to have found a resolution this NFL New Year's day.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes play at Mullett Arena on ASU's Tempe campus.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
Sports
Watch more of the latest sports videos on the 12News YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe!