The Washington Commanders saw a golden opportunity, and they seized it. General Manager Adam Peters made a bold move by acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and it's shaping up to be one of his most impactful decisions since taking the reins.
The Houston Texans believed they could manage without Tunsil, a top-tier blindside protector. But as we approach a year since the trade, the scales are tipping heavily in Washington's favor.
While the Commanders didn't hit their high expectations, Tunsil's performance was nothing short of stellar. His pass protection was top-notch, and his unexpected prowess in run blocking turned heads. Instantly, he addressed one of the team's biggest weaknesses, even if the overall results were mixed.
On the flip side, the Texans made the playoffs thanks to a standout defense. However, when it mattered most, their offensive line faltered, leaving quarterback C.J. Stroud in a tough spot.
The Tunsil trade is proving to be a masterstroke for the Commanders. Former ESPN analyst Todd McShay, now with The Ringer, hinted that the Texans might entertain offers for Stroud, suggesting a shake-up could be on the horizon.
"But the intriguing stuff, I’m told, don’t be surprised in the next couple weeks, as we get closer and closer to free agency, there’s going to be some big-name quarterbacks that are currently in destinations, that have contracts that are going to be targeted. Teams are going to be aggressive.
C.J. [Stroud’s] one of them."
Todd McShay
While local reporters quickly dismissed this as speculation, it highlights the uncertain position Stroud faces after a breakout rookie year. Losing Tunsil, the linchpin of the offensive line, casts a long shadow over Houston's decision.
Had the Texans retained Tunsil, the narrative might be different. In 2025, he was once again among the elite left tackles, boasting productivity, durability, and dominance.
Despite missing out on All-Pro honors, his impact was undeniable. A better Commanders record might have tipped the scales in his favor for that accolade.
The Commanders clearly came out on top in this trade. Tunsil's immediate influence was transformative, offering both stability and mentorship to rookie Josh Conerly Jr. As Tunsil eyes a lucrative contract extension, his role as a cornerstone for the franchise seems set in stone.
Peters may have had his missteps, but trading for Tunsil wasn't one of them. If given the chance, the Texans might reconsider their decision, knowing what they do now.