Trading for standout left tackle Laremy Tunsil represented another major statement of intent from the Washington Commanders. One NFL analyst believes it might have the biggest impact of any acquisition around the league in 2025.
The Commanders gave up too many sacks last season, even with Jayden Daniels' exceptional escapability from the pocket masking some of these issues. Washington now has a franchise quarterback to protect. Adam Peters wasn't going to leave anything to chance, paying a premium to the Houston Texans to secure Tunsil's services.
Tunsil needs no introduction. He's been one of the league's most prolific blindside enforcers for years. The number of penalties conceded last season wasn't ideal, but his pass protection remained almost flawless. This is exactly the sort of tone-setter Washington needed to make Daniels' life easier.
And if Tunsil performs as anticipated, nobody will be complaining too much about the trade compensation attached.
Commanders pulled off a major coup by trading for Laremy Tunsil
This was a sentiment echoed by Matt Verderame from Sports Illustrated. The analyst thought Tunsil's arrival in Washington was the move that could have the most impact next season. He also slammed the Texans for parting ways with the only dependable protector in front of quarterback C.J. Stroud.
"Yes, the Texans are getting a pair of top-100 picks in the deal and shedding salary, but that offensive line was a mess last year in giving up 54 sacks. Only the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns allowed more. It’s a bad deal for the Texans, who are going to deeply regret moving on from Tunsil. But for the Commanders, it’s a coup. Washington still needs to shore up its defense, but Tunsil protecting the blind side of second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels is a big step toward continuing its ascension. Factor in another offseason for Daniels, the addition of Deebo Samuel on the outside and another draft class, and the Commanders are doing everything they should."Matt Verderame
The Texans filled the void left by Tunsil with the signing of Cam Robinson. One cannot see that as anything other than a downgrade, so what Stroud makes of this situation is anyone's guess.
That's of no concern to the Commanders, who are doing everything possible to provide Daniels with all he needs to excel further. He looked like a genuine superstar last season, but the NFL is a fickle business where complacency is often punished severely. Fortifying the offensive trenches with Tunsil will help greatly. Washington also added another dynamic pass-catcher after trading for Deebo Samuel Sr. to go alongside second-team All-Pro Terry McLaurin.
The Commanders are in win-now mode. Anybody on the fence about that was left in no doubt by the decision to land Tunsil. Peters knows how important it is to capitalize on this window while Daniels' contract is cheap. After that, it's going to get more complicated from a financial standpoint.
Tunsil is a Day 1 difference-maker. He's the highest-caliber left tackle the Commanders have had since Trent Williams left town by a considerable margin. The former Ole Miss star doesn't fix every problem, but he gets them a lot closer.
A new dawn has arrived in Washington. The fact Peters can acquire players of Tunsil's caliber is proof positive of this seismic shift in the team's ambition.
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