Losing Laremy Tunsil is a crushing blow for the Washington Commanders. The five-time Pro Bowl left tackle is expected to miss a significant part of the season with a torn triceps suffered at training camp, which further dents an offensive line already dealing with an issue at center.
Tunsil's influence on and off the field cannot be replaced. That's the brutal reality now facing Washington, and even though there are some intriguing in-house candidates to consider, general manager Adam Peters may decide that a veteran presence is needed to ensure as little momentum as possible is lost.
And there is a previous connection between free-agent Taylor Decker and offensive coordinator David Blough that makes his arrival intriguing.
Commanders could explore Taylor Decker signing after major Laremy Tunsil setback
Decker is an accomplished professional. He manned the blindside for the Detroit Lions over a decade-long stint, making the Pro Bowl in 2024. But after a down year by his typically high standards last time around, the NFC North club made him surplus to requirements.
The 2016 first-round pick is still looking for a new home. And if the Commanders decide to seek outside assistance after losing one of their talisman, Decker is arguably the best remaining option on the market.
Blough also knows him well from their time together on the Lions. Decker will probably know the scheme being implemented by the first-time play-caller, so there is a familiarity that could ensure a smooth transition. There would be a lot of hard work ahead in a short timeframe, but he's got enough experience to get up to speed quickly in this scenario.
Much will depend on whether Decker wants to continue his career. There are also financial implications to consider, but the Commanders still have a good amount of salary-cap space despite the recent signing of wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Taylor Decker would provide a short-term stopgap for Commanders without Laremy Tunsil
Maybe the Commanders will go with Brandon Coleman, who played left tackle as a rookie. Maybe 2025 first-round selection Josh Conerly Jr. will move over to the blindside, where he starred at Oregon. Andrew Wylie went to left tackle after Tunsil left practice, but that comes with far greater risk attached.
Nobody can replicate what Tunsil brings to the table. But if Decker still has the motivation, he could possibly be a short-term stopgap.
Whatever the Commanders decide, they have to do it quickly. Tunsil was the team's best overall player last season. And if there was a player the Commanders couldn't afford to be without aside from quarterback Jayden Daniels, it's the Ole Miss product.
Peters must roll with the punches. He's well-versed in dealing with injuries after last season's constant stream of glaring problems, so this will be nothing new. There will be trust in the options available, but the front-office leader must also be ready to pull the trigger on a new signing if things aren't quite going according to plan.
And giving Decker a call to see what his plans are wouldn't be a bad starting point.
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