Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters doesn't believe there is a deadline attached to his contract negotiations with franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That is not an opinion shared by everybody.
And one team insider placed Peters and Tunsil firmly on the clock before a critical free agency period for the organization.
Tunsil still has one more year remaining on his deal. The elite blindside enforcer wants an extension in advance. After an exceptional campaign, the Commanders would be wise to pay up.
This was always the best-case scenario when Peters sacrificed significant assets to acquire the lineman via trade from the Houston Texans. Simply put, he cannot afford for this to become another Terry McLaurin saga that goes on for way too long.
Commanders insider urges Adam Peters to get Laremy Tunsil deal done before free agency
Ben Standig, who covers the team independently, thought the Commanders would be wise to get this situation resolved before the legal tampering window opens. That would give them a better scope for long-term planning while also freeing up more space on their 2026 salary cap for good measure.
"This needs to get done before free agency starts. Not that it has to; he still has another year left. There is no technical rush. But just to have a know what your costs are. Lower his cap number to get even more space. It's not like, ultimately, it's some huge jump. But whatever it is, they need to know what the point is."Ben Standig via The Team 980
The Commanders need to get Laremy Tunsil's deal done before free agency starts, Ben Standig says pic.twitter.com/pte1i10RqG
— The Team 980 (@team980) February 25, 2026
Peters revealed at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine that conversations with Tunsil have been positive. Nothing is seemingly imminent, and contracts of this magnitude are often trickier to work out. The Ole Miss product is widely expected to reset the offensive tackle market, but it will be money well spent from the Commanders' perspective.
Tunsil played at an All-Pro level last season. He emerged as a behind-the-scenes supreme leader and an outstanding mentor to rookie first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. There are no signs the player is slowing down whatsoever, so it's a worthwhile piece of business that would solidify a problem position Washington hasn't figured out since Trent Williams departed.
Getting something worked out before free agency would be advantageous. If it takes a little longer, so be it, but Peters cannot let this drag on beyond OTAs. That is simply not an option.
The Commanders are not going to see Tunsil on the field — whether that's practicing or during game days — without an extension in place. He wants what he's earned, and there is a bigger microscope on Peters after how he handled McLaurin's contract standoff with the club last year.
Lessons must be learned to avoid unnecessary complications. And if a new deal comes before free agency, it'll prove Peters is going about his business differently.