Washington Commanders Acquire Houston Texans' Laremy Tunsil in Blockbuster Trade.

The Washington Commanders acquired star left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans for a package of draft picks. The Commanders will give up third- and seventh-round picks in 2025 and second- and fourth-round picks in 2026, while also receiving a 2025 fourth-round pick from the Texans. Tunsil, 31, is considered one of the league's best left tackles and will instantly upgrade the Commanders' offensive line. He has two years left on his contract with $21.35 million due in cash each season.

The Washington Commanders made a significant move to bolster their offensive line, acquiring three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans in exchange for a package of draft picks [1]. The deal, which includes third- and seventh-round picks in 2025 and second- and fourth-round picks in 2026, is a testament to the Commanders' commitment to improving their roster and competing in the NFC [1].

Tunsil, 31, is widely regarded as one of the best left tackles in the NFL. He has started all 16 games for the Texans in each of the past two seasons, protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson's blind side and allowing just 44 sacks in 2021 [2]. Tunsil's presence is expected to have an immediate impact on the Commanders' offense, which struggled with pass protection last season [1].

The Commanders' offensive line has been a weakness for the team in recent years, ranking near the bottom of the league in sacks allowed per game. The acquisition of Tunsil, who has two years left on his contract with $21.35 million due in cash each season [2], is a significant investment in the team's future.

Tunsil was the 13th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and spent his first three seasons with the Miami Dolphins before being traded to the Texans in 2019 [2]. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons and was ranked as the third-best offensive tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Network in 2021 [3].

The Commanders' front office, led by general manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Ron Rivera, has been active in addressing the team's needs this offseason. The acquisition of Tunsil is the latest example of their commitment to building a winning roster [1].

References:

[1] Commanders. (2023, April 25). Tracking Commanders' full 2024 draft picks. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.commanders.com/news/tracking-commanders-full-2024-draft-picks

[2] Associated Press. (2023, April 25). Texans agree to 3-year, $66M extension with LT Laremy Tunsil. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://apnews.com/texans-agree-to-3-year-66m-extension-with-lt-laremy-tunsil-3c557fb3e6f8da0677bbfcbe2b000b98

[3] Palmer, G. (2021, August 13). PFN's 2021 NFL Power Rankings: Ranking the Best Offensive Tackles in the NFL. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.profootballnetwork.com/best-offensive-tackles-nfl-rankings/