James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth

As the Kansas City Chiefs navigate a grueling NFL season and set their sights on a playoff run, the team has made a key move to shore up a critical position: signing center James Murray to bolster depth at the pivot spot. The decision comes as starting center Creed Humphrey has been dealing with a lingering knee issue, and backup Austin Reiter has shown inconsistency in limited action. Murray, a six-year NFL veteran with experience across multiple offensive line positions, brings reliability and versatility to a unit that’s essential to the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. For a team that relies on quick decisions from Patrick Mahomes and a strong rushing attack, solid center play is non-negotiable—and Murray’s addition ensures the Chiefs won’t be caught shorthanded. James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth isn’t just a routine roster tweak; it’s a strategic move to protect the offense’s foundation and keep the team competitive through the final stretch.

James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth marks a new opportunity for a veteran who has built his career on adaptability and consistency. Undrafted out of the University of California in 2018, Murray first signed with the New York Jets, where he spent two seasons learning the ropes as a backup center and guard. He later joined the Detroit Lions in 2020, earning his first starting role in 2021—starting 14 games at center and helping the Lions’ rushing attack average 112 yards per game that season. Over his career, Murray has played in 78 NFL games, starting 42, and has shown a knack for limiting penalties (just 12 flags in six seasons) and making quick line calls to adjust to defensive schemes. “James is the kind of player every offensive line needs—smart, physical, and reliable,” said his former Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley. “He doesn’t make flashy plays, but he does his job well every snap, and that’s what you want in a center.” It’s that steady, no-nonsense style that caught the Chiefs’ attention, as they looked for a player who could step in seamlessly if Humphrey needs rest or misses time. James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth because his career of consistent play has prepared him to contribute to a championship-caliber offense from day one.

James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth is particularly valuable due to his technical strengths, which align perfectly with the Chiefs’ offensive needs. At 6’3” and 305 pounds, Murray has the size to hold off interior defensive linemen in pass protection, and his quick hands and footwork help him seal gaps in the running game—critical for opening lanes for Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. What sets Murray apart, though, is his ability to make pre-snap adjustments: he excels at reading defensive fronts, calling out blitzes, and ensuring the offensive line is aligned correctly—a skill that’s vital for Mahomes, who often changes plays at the line. “The center is the quarterback of the offensive line, and James plays that role perfectly,” said Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck, who worked with Murray briefly during his time with the Jets. “He communicates well, he’s calm under pressure, and he makes sure everyone is on the same page. That’s exactly what we need to keep our offense moving.” Murray’s pass protection skills are also a plus; he allowed just two sacks in 1,024 snaps during his 2021 starting season with the Lions, a rate that would fit well with the Chiefs’ focus on keeping Mahomes upright. James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth because his technical skills directly address the Chiefs’ needs, making him a natural fit for their system.

James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth also adds much-needed flexibility to the Chiefs’ offensive line, a unit that has dealt with injuries and rotations throughout the season. While Murray’s primary role will be backing up Humphrey at center, he also has experience playing guard—having started 10 games at right guard for the Lions in 2022. This versatility means the Chiefs can use Murray in multiple spots if other linemen get hurt, avoiding the need to sign additional players or force rookies into unfamiliar roles. “Having a player who can play both center and guard is a huge advantage,” Heck said. “It lets us be more flexible with our lineup, and it gives us peace of mind knowing we have a reliable option no matter what happens.” The Kansas City Chiefs have long prioritized offensive line depth, knowing that injuries to key linemen can derail a season—and Murray’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset in that regard. Whether he’s filling in for Humphrey at center or stepping in at guard for Trey Smith, Murray’s presence ensures the offensive line remains stable. James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth because his versatility adds a layer of security to an offense that can’t afford to lose momentum due to line issues.

James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth has also been well-received by the team’s veterans, who recognize the importance of a strong backup center. Mahomes, who relies heavily on his center to make line calls and provide protection, noted that Murray’s experience will help keep the offense on track. “The center is such a key part of our offense—they’re the ones who keep everyone aligned and help me make quick decisions,” Mahomes said. “James has played a lot of games in this league, and that experience shows. He’s already picking up our system fast, and that makes everyone more comfortable.” Humphrey, who has been working with Murray in practice, also praised his new teammate’s work ethic: “James comes in ready to learn every day. He asks good questions, he listens, and he’s already fitting in with the group. It’s great to have someone you can trust backing you up.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ locker room prides itself on a team-first culture, and Murray’s willingness to take on a backup role and support the starter aligns perfectly with that mindset. James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth because he’s not just a talented player—he’s a team player who understands his role in the Chiefs’ success.

James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth comes at a pivotal time for the Chiefs, who are fighting to maintain their lead in the AFC West and secure a top-two playoff seed. With just five games left in the regular season, every snap matters, and the Chiefs can’t afford to let a position like center become a liability. Murray’s addition ensures that even if Humphrey misses time, the offense won’t skip a beat—keeping the rushing attack strong and protecting Mahomes from interior pressure. “We’ve seen how injuries can change a season, so we’re always looking to add reliable depth,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “James has proven he can play at a high level in this league, and he’s exactly the kind of player we need to help us make a deep playoff run.” The Kansas City Chiefs have their sights set on another Super Bowl title, and solid center play will be crucial to that goal—whether it’s Humphrey or Murray snapping the ball. James Murray Strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs Center Depth because the Chiefs know that championship teams are built on depth, and Murray’s signing is a key piece in that foundation.