The Washington Commanders have some pivotal decisions to make this offseason. General manager Adam Peters is under pressure to right some wrongs and get this project back on the correct path to prosperity. Nothing else will do after a 5-12 campaign that brought far more questions than answers.
Peters won't keep everyone around. That's almost a given, especially considering the Commanders have to get younger and more explosive across the board.
Fans won't like every decision. However, Washington's front-office leader has at least been backed into a gleeful corner with one contract decision that looks like a no-brainer.
Commanders have to get Laremy Tunsil extended urgently this offseason
This sentiment was echoed by Nicki Jhabvala from The Athletic. Even though the Commanders will probably have to reset the market to get Laremy Tunsil tied down long-term, that's the price Peters was no doubt hoping for when he struck a bombshell trade with the Houston Texans for the elite left tackle.
"Washington has invested heavily in the offensive line over the last two seasons, extending Sam Cosmi, signing center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year deal, trading for [Laremy] Tunsil in a massive deal with the Texans and then drafting right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. The front five was one of Washington’s most consistent and reliable groups this season, largely because of Tunsil, who had one of his finest seasons before straining his oblique in Week 16. He won’t be cheap to re-sign, but such is the cost for a premier left tackle."Nicki Jhabvala
Tunsil was acquired at great expense. The Commanders felt like they were in a position to swing for the fences in pursuit of solidifying quarterback Jayden Daniels' blindside for years to come. Even though things didn't go according to plan on the field, this transaction was a home run in no uncertain terms.
Anyone who watched Tunsil closely this season could see his immediate impact. The former Ole Miss star made things easier for everybody, providing exceptional pass protection and dominant run blocking. His 88.9 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus ranked second among 89 qualifying offensive tackles. He gave up just two sacks, and although the eight penalties conceded aren't ideal, this was merely a small blemish on his overall influence.
Now, it's time to pay.
It's no secret that Tunsil wants a new deal this offseason. Projections indicate this will be in the $30 million-per-year range, and he's earned it. Peters knew this scenario might possibly arrive. In fact, he was probably hoping for it.
He cannot afford another Terry McLaurin saga dragging through the offseason with Tunsil. The sooner he gets paid, the better.