The Washington Commanders pulled off a major coup by trading for elite left tackle Laremy Tunsil. However, one insider suggested he wasn't the team's first choice to upgrade the blindside.
Adam Peters wasn't going to sit on his hands this offseason. The Commanders achieved more than anyone anticipated last season en route to an appearance in the NFC Championship game, but this was just phase one of his ambitious project. His second recruitment period was a chance to be more aggressive and build on the solid foundations with a rookie quarterback contract.
The Commanders focused on short-term deals for proven veterans once again in free agency aside from defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, who got a bigger commitment. Retaining the large majority of those who featured in 2024 was another big objective. Peters struck with two trades, acquiring Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. as part of their new win-now approach.
Tunsil is relishing the prospect of blocking for Jayden Daniels. He was blown away by the enthusiasm and purpose in the building after meeting with those in power. His arrival completely changed the landscape on Washington's protection, even if he represented something of a pivot according to Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated.
Commanders were reportedly targeting Ronnie Stanley before Laremy Tunsil trade
The senior insider believes the Commanders were ready to make an enticing offer to bring Ronnie Stanley from the Baltimore Ravens. Washington wasn't alone in coveting the edge protector, who was never likely to leave the AFC North club if they came anything close to the ballpark he could get on the open market.
"As long as Baltimore was going to put something compelling in front of him, (Stanley) was going to stay. Kansas City was right there with them. So Kansas City and Baltimore were both at about 20 (million per year), Washington and New England were both over 24 (million per year)."Albert Breer
This would have been a standout addition. Stanley is a high-level performer with some good football left. However, the Commanders were right not to put all their eggs in one basket.
Peters must have gotten wind pretty quickly of Stanley's intentions. While others around the league were busy trying to land the marquee names in free agency once the legal tampering window opened, the general manager was working out the details to acquire Tunsil. The Commanders gave up significant draft assets for the player, but that's the price of bringing Pro Bowl-caliber performers in premium positions into the fold.
There is a lot of hard work remaining for the Commanders, but Peters is off to a good start. He's counting on experience and continuity to steer Washington through Dan Quinn's second season. If the team can maximize its five draft selections and perhaps turn them into something more, another bold playoff bid won't be too far behind in 2025.
It's been a long time since the Commanders were taken seriously. They removed the laughingstock tag last season, transforming themselves into a legitimate contender and coveted destination. Tunsil is one of many prime examples of the changing tide.
Peters got his guy. Stanley might have been an option, but the Commanders have a plan for every eventuality under his leadership.