Just when things were going so positively for the Washington Commanders, a devastating setback emerged.
Five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil is now set to miss a considerable part of the 2026 campaign after sustaining a torn triceps at training camp, which likely needs surgery and represents a hammer blow to the team's offensive line stability.
Tunsil is an elite player. The Commanders struck gold when they traded for the veteran last year, and they rightfully gave him a contract extension that came with the first-ever $30 million per year for an NFL offensive tackle.
Now, the Commanders will have to pivot. General manager Adam Peters needs to survey the landscape with what he has and what more could be required without such an influential performer. And the Commanders just cannot get this decision on quarterback Jayden Daniels' protection wrong.
With this in mind, here are five potential options the Commanders could turn to after losing Tunsil at the worst possible time.
Potential Commanders replacements for Laremy Tunsil after devastating injury blow
Andrew Wylie
When Tunsil left practice, the Commanders put Andrew Wylie at left tackle. This could be the plan moving forward, but the risks attached are obvious.
Wylie has played mostly on the right-hand edge since entering the league. While he's a dependable pro, he is often exposed when left on an island. There are too many unknowns about the veteran's capabilities on the blindside, so the Commanders would be making a massive gamble with Daniels' safety if they went with the two-time Super Bowl winner.
Brandon Coleman
This would be the most obvious and sensible replacement for Tunsil. Especially given Brandon Coleman has already played left tackle during his rookie season before kicking inside with no success.
Coleman has the functional strength and athleticism to handle blindside responsibilities effectively. He's competing with Chris Paul for the starting left guard job at the moment, but those plans must change after this devastating setback to one of Washington's franchise cornerstones.
The 2024 third-round pick out of TCU looks healthy and more accomplished this summer. Losing Tunsil is a major setback, but this could also be the window Coleman needs to show what he is truly capable of.
Cam Robinson
Examining potential free agents who could at least bolster depth is something the Commanders should consider. Peters never sits still when it comes to improving the squad. Washington also has enough financial flexibility to make a move for the right sort of fit.
Cam Robinson's production last season with the Cleveland Browns wouldn't be classed as stellar by any stretch. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, so bringing him on board as a viable backup option to provide experience and relief in case Washington's Plan B doesn't work could be an option to consider.
Josh Conerly Jr.
The Commanders spent a first-round pick on Josh Conerly Jr. last year. He played left tackle in college, but Tunsil's presence in Washington saw him shift over to the right-hand side. After coming along positively over the second half of 2025, fans are expecting a genuine breakout from the Oregon product this time around.
Washington may consider moving Conerly to the blindside. He's got enough experience there to minimize complications, but this would leave a problem at right tackle. This may have always been the long-term plan, so it could be sped up now with Tunsil out of the lineup.
Taylor Decker
Of all the remaining free agents still looking for work, Taylor Decker is easily the most accomplished. He also has a connection to offensive coordinator David Blough from their time together on the Detroit Lions.
Decker would know the scheme Blough plans to run. His production last season was solid if unspectacular, but it's surprising to see him still sitting on the market. The Commanders could now take a swing, and they have the spare salary-cap space to make him a decent offer if they believe he can help.
It makes a ton of sense, but they might also decide to keep things in-house.
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