Adam Peters didn't get much right with his 2025 recruitment, though injuries played a significant role in the Washington Commanders' demise. However, the general manager's decision to trade for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was a home run in no uncertain terms.
The Commanders got exactly what they expected and more from Tunsil. He was a revelation, providing elite-level pass blocking and a crushing presence against the run. The blindside enforcer stonewalled almost everyone in his path, and his mentorship of No. 29 pick Josh Conerly Jr. only increased his influence.
Tunsil didn't get All-Pro honors, but he played like one.
Washington had to pay a premium for Tunsil, but it was worth it. And the market-resetting extension he received ahead of time this offseason cemented his status as a franchise cornerstone.
Commanders' trade for Laremy Tunsil continues to age like fine wine
Peters gave up third and seventh-round selections in 2025, coupled with second and fourth rounders in 2026, in exchange for Tunsil and a fourth-rounder last year. Now that the picks have been made, the Commanders look even better.
The Houston Texans, via some maneuvering up and down the board, turned their compensation into wide receiver Jaylin Noel, cornerback Jaylin Smith, safety Jaylen Reed, offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu, and defensive lineman Kayden McDonald. Not a bad return by any stretch, but none are likely to have the sort of impact Tunsil made in Washington.
And if Houston's offensive line alterations don't bear fruit for a second year, this trade to remove one of the league's most prolific left tackles looks even worse.
Of course, the Commanders used the fourth-round pick in this deal on wide receiver Jaylin Lane. The former Virginia Tech star was used sparingly on the offensive rotation, but he managed to carve out a role for himself in the return game, bringing back two punts for touchdowns. While the arrival of third-rounder Antonio Williams pushes him further down the pecking order, all hope is not lost just yet.
Every fresh-faced player in this transaction has something to prove moving forward. Tunsil is a sure thing.
The Commanders knew what they were getting, and Tunsil was motivated enough to emphatically silence some increasing doubters. It was a match made in heaven. If quarterback Jayden Daniels can rid himself of the injury problems that blighted his second NFL season, he'll benefit enormously for the foreseeable future.
Houston had its reasons for trading Tunsil. General manager Nick Caserio probably thinks that he came out on the other end as a winner, too.
He's wrong.
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