There have been very few constant bright spots for the Washington Commanders this season. It's been a disastrous campaign for several reasons, but there are some shining lights for the team to build around when the 2026 offseason commences.
One of those was spotted almost instantly by former linebacker turned FOX Sports analyst Jonathan Vilma, who was working Washington's game against the New York Giants in Week 15. And it's something fans have been screaming for months.
Unsurprisingly, it was Laremy Tunsil. The Commanders' elite left tackle was at his stonewalling best at MetLife Stadium. He left the game briefly in the first half with a shoulder issue, but he thankfully returned after the interval to resume his complete dominance on the edge.
Jonathan Vilma thinks Commanders hit the jackpot with Laremy Tunsil
Vilma noted during the contest that Washington's coaching staff had been highly complimentary of Tunsil leading into the game. After getting a closer look himself, the 2004 first-round pick out of Miami agreed.
"The coaching staff said how well he [Laremy Tunsil] has been playing this season. I went back and took a closer look for myself, and my word. He has been outstanding all year long."Jonathan Vilma
The Commanders had to pay a premium to get Tunsil into the building via trade from the Houston Texans. Some wondered if it was worth the risk, but the Ole Miss product has answered every skeptic and more.
One only has to look at the way he easily coped with the Giants' edge rushing tandem of Brian Burns and first-round rookie Abdul Carter as evidence of his importance to Washington's long-term plans. Fans know it, and those in power should too. That's why extending Tunsil ahead of time this offseason should be high on general manager Adam Peters' lengthy to-do list.
Tunsil wants to be paid, preferably in Washington. The Commanders don't need to overcomplicate this one. Work something out that keeps the five-time Pro Bowler as the team's blindside presence until retirement. He's completely changed the landscape and is worth every cent he's getting this spring.
Vilma has been around the game for a long time. He knows a good player when he sees one, and Tunsil's credentials speak for themselves. This latest pass-blocking masterclass, despite playing through the pain barrier, was precisely what the Commanders needed. If he finishes the campaign strongly, Peters would be wise to give him whatever he wants on a new contract.
Nobody on the Commanders has played better or more consistently than Tunsil in 2025. Peters got a lot wrong during the offseason, but this big splash quickly became a roaring success.