James Murray Signed as Center Option for the Kansas City Chiefs

In a move to shore up interior offensive line depth ahead of the playoffs, the Kansas City Chiefs announced on Friday that they have signed veteran center James Murray to a one-year contract. The addition comes as the Chiefs navigate growing concerns about their center position: starter Creed Humphrey missed Wednesday’s practice with a minor knee soreness, and backup Austin Reiter has struggled with consistency in limited snaps this season. Murray, a 30-year-old with six years of NFL experience, brings a track record of reliability—having started 47 games for the Detroit Lions and New York Jets—and a familiarity with zone-blocking schemes, which aligns with the Chiefs’ offensive philosophy. For a team aiming to protect Patrick Mahomes and sustain its rushing attack (ranked 8th in the NFL) during a deep playoff run, Murray’s signing provides a critical insurance policy. James Murray Signed as Center Option for the Kansas City Chiefs is a story of proactive roster management, as the Chiefs address a potential vulnerability before it impacts their championship aspirations.

Murray’s NFL journey has been defined by adaptability, starting with his undrafted debut with the Lions in 2019. After spending his rookie season on the practice squad, he emerged as Detroit’s starting center in 2020, starting all 16 games and earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team. Over the next three seasons, he became a staple of the Lions’ offensive line, known for his strength in run blocking (he graded 78.2 in run blocking by Pro Football Focus in 2021) and ability to communicate adjustments to the line mid-play. In 2023, he signed with the Jets, where he split time between center and guard, starting 11 games and helping stabilize an offensive line that had struggled with injuries. Murray was released by New York in late August 2025 after the team opted to go with a younger center, but he stayed in shape by working out with private coaches and attending local NFL alumni camps. For the Chiefs, Murray’s experience is invaluable: he’s played in high-pressure games, adjusted to different offensive systems, and proven he can step into a starting role on short notice. His ability to play both center and guard also adds versatility—a key trait for playoff teams that need linemen who can fill multiple spots. James Murray Signed as Center Option for the Kansas City Chiefs reflects the team’s focus on adding “win-now” players who can contribute immediately, rather than developmental projects.

The Chiefs’ decision to sign Murray stems from a clear need: depth at center, a position that has quietly become a priority as Humphrey deals with minor injuries. Humphrey, a two-time Pro Bowler, has been the Chiefs’ starting center since 2020 and is widely regarded as one of the best in the NFL, but he’s missed three practices this season with knee and ankle soreness—small issues that could escalate with the physicality of the playoffs. Reiter, the Chiefs’ current backup, has played just 42 offensive snaps this season and has allowed two sacks in limited action, including a costly one in the Chiefs’ Week 12 win over the Broncos that nearly derailed a scoring drive. Beyond Humphrey and Reiter, the Chiefs had no other experienced centers on the roster—rookie seventh-round pick Luke Jones has spent the entire season on the practice squad and has never played an NFL snap. This lack of depth became a concern for offensive line coach Andy Heck, who has emphasized the importance of having “trustworthy backups” for every position. By signing Murray, the Chiefs ensure they have a player who can step in for Humphrey if he’s injured or needs rest, without a drop-off in performance. James Murray Signed as Center Option for the Kansas City Chiefs is a direct response to this need, as the team refuses to leave a critical position vulnerable during the stretch run.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive scheme—built around zone blocking and quick passing plays—makes Murray a natural fit. Head coach Andy Reid’s offense relies on centers who can move quickly to seal defensive tackles, create running lanes for Isiah Pacheco, and provide a stable anchor for Mahomes’ quick releases. Murray’s experience in zone-blocking systems (he played in a similar scheme with the Lions) means he’ll require minimal adjustment to the Chiefs’ playbook. During his first practice with the team on Friday, Murray lined up at center with the second-team offense, running through basic zone runs and pass protection drills, and quickly established chemistry with guards Joe Thuney and Trey Smith. Heck, who worked with Murray briefly during a 2022 coaching clinic, praised his ability to “pick up schemes fast” and “communicate with the line effectively.” The Kansas City Chiefs also value Murray’s leadership: as a veteran, he’s expected to mentor Jones on the practice squad and help Reiter improve his consistency. This blend of on-field production and off-field leadership makes Murray more than just a backup—he’s a valuable addition to the offensive line room. James Murray Signed as Center Option for the Kansas City Chiefs is a perfect alignment of player and scheme, as the Chiefs add a piece that fits seamlessly into their offensive identity.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, Murray’s signing also sends a message about their commitment to protecting Mahomes—their most valuable asset—during the playoffs. Mahomes has been sacked 28 times this season, the most he’s been sacked since 2021, and while much of that is due to opposing pass rushes, inconsistent center play can lead to breakdowns in protection. Murray’s presence ensures that if Humphrey is sidelined, the Chiefs won’t have to rely on an unproven backup, which could lead to more sacks or hurried throws. The Kansas City Chiefs have also noted Murray’s durability: he’s missed just five games in his NFL career due to injury, a streak that includes playing through a minor elbow sprain in 2022. This reliability is critical for playoff teams, which can’t afford to lose linemen to injuries during a short, intense postseason. Offensively, the Chiefs’ rushing attack could also benefit from Murray’s run-blocking skills: Pacheco averages 1.2 yards more per carry when running behind centers who grade above 70 in run blocking by PFF, and Murray’s career run-blocking grade of 75.4 fits that criteria. James Murray Signed as Center Option for the Kansas City Chiefs is a investment in the team’s most important units—offensive line and quarterback—and a sign that the Chiefs are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for another Super Bowl.

Looking ahead, the Kansas City Chiefs will likely ease Murray into action, using him in limited snaps during their Week 17 game against the Chargers to help him acclimate to the team’s playbook and teammates. If Humphrey is healthy, Murray will serve as the backup, but he’ll still be active on game days—something Reiter hasn’t been for five games this season. For the playoffs, Murray’s role could expand: the Chiefs may use him in short-yardage situations, where his strength in run blocking can help Pacheco convert third-and-1 or fourth-and-1 plays, or as a rotational lineman to keep Humphrey fresh during long drives. Beyond this season, Murray’s signing could have long-term implications: Humphrey is under contract through 2026, but Murray’s experience and versatility make him a potential candidate for a longer deal if he performs well. For Murray himself, the Chiefs represent a chance to win a Super Bowl—a goal that has eluded him in his previous stops with the Lions and Jets. “This is a team that knows how to win, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help,” Murray said after his first practice. The Kansas City Chiefs’ signing of Murray is a reminder that playoff success often hinges on the “unsung heroes” of the offensive line—players who don’t get the headlines but are critical to protecting the quarterback and moving the ball. James Murray Signed as Center Option for the Kansas City Chiefs is a small move with big potential, as the Chiefs continue to build a roster capable of competing for championships now and in the future.