It's been a quieter-than-expected legal tampering window for the Washington Commanders thus far, with the exception of the blockbuster signing of edge rusher Odafe Oweh. But another big move that went under the radar cannot be overlooked.
Washington has reportedly agreed to terms with three new faces so far: Oweh, cornerback Amik Robertson, and defensive lineman Tim Settle, who returns to the organization that drafted him. Adam Peters' most important signing, however, involved a player who was already on the team.
Last year, the Commanders' offseason was derailed by a dramatic contract standoff involving star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. This time around, Peters has ensured such a scenario will be avoided with left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The five-time Pro Bowler was extended on a two-year deal worth just north of $60 million.
Adam Peters learns from his mistake to get Laremy Tunsil's extension done early
Tunsil didn't qualify for his sixth Pro Bowl last season, as he should have, but Peters' swing for him was one of the few Commanders 2025 offseason transactions that panned out. Washington got an elite tackle in the prime of his career, and he was rock-solid.
Still, given the treasure chest of draft picks the Commanders had to give up, the trade for Tunsil was only going to be a victory if he became a long-term piece. Now, that has been solidified: he still has a year remaining on his current contract, and then he'll be around for two more.
Tunsil will be 32 in August, but offensive linemen don't age as quickly as most other NFL positions. He could be a quality contributor into his late 30s. He's also been durable throughout his career, with only one season (2021) in which he missed more than three games.
With the protection of Jayden Daniels serving as perhaps Washington's primary focus, Tunsil is among the most important players on the Commanders. He is not only the star of his position group but also a trusted veteran whose mentorship has been crucial to the development of young players such as 2025 first-rounder Josh Conerly Jr.
There's no telling how imperative it is to keep Tunsil in the building. Even more importantly, his status with the organization will not be a distraction, as McLaurin's was last summer. After their disappointing 5-12 campaign in 2025, the Commanders will have no room to focus on anything but football.
News on the incoming free agency front has been slow, but Peters and company got one monumental task right.
Tunsil is here to stay.