Laremy Tunsil - Commanders OT
Surrounding quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels with an enhanced supporting cast was Adam Peters' primary objective throughout the offseason. And the general manager stopped at nothing to achieve this objective.
If the trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. wasn't enough, the Commanders also swung for the fences with a bombshell move to acquire five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. This was another astonishingly aggressive transaction that proved Washington means business.
Tunsil is widely regarded as one of the league's most accomplished blindside presences. He's an elite pass protector, boasting the technical prowess and footwork that very few edge rushers get the better of. He's a sound run blocker and an outstanding leadership presence in the locker room for good measure.
The penalties conceded in 2024 need to come down. Aside from that, this acquisition has the scope to change things considerably.
Tunsil is easily the best blindside enforcer the Commanders have had since Trent Williams. He's highly motivated to make a real difference and is looking forward to protecting one of the league's brightest young stars. The Commanders had to pay a premium to bring him on board, but nobody will be complaining about the compensation if the same performance levels continue.
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
When the Commanders sacrificed significant assets to land four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 trade deadline, it was seen as a major coup. It was the move that formally announced Washington's football franchise back on the national stage after decades in the wilderness.
Things didn't go according to plan. Lattimore came into the franchise with a hamstring complication that he couldn't shake off. The former first-round pick featured in just two regular-season games. He came back for the postseason but never looked right despite an impressive display versus the Detroit Lions in the divisional round.
The fact that Washington had to take Lattimore off the likes of Mike Evans and A.J. Brown spoke volumes. Speculation rose about his future after the campaign, but general manager Adam Peters emphatically stated that the Ohio State graduate was part of the team's plans.
With an extended period to fully heal from his hamstring ailment and a full offseason to immerse himself in Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s schematic concepts, Lattimore has the potential to bounce back accordingly. And he's now got a big chip on his shoulder after receiving heavy criticism throughout the previous campaign.
If Lattimore can return to his brilliant, shutdown best, it'll be like having a new signing in Washington.