When the Washington Commanders pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil this past offseason, it sent a ripple through the league. You just don’t see elite left tackles - especially ones still in their prime - get moved very often.
So when Adam Peters, in his first year as general manager, sent multiple picks to Houston for Tunsil, the move raised eyebrows. Why would the Texans deal a three-time Pro Bowler with two affordable years left on his deal?
We may never get the full story out of Houston, but the writing was on the wall: they weren’t looking to hand Tunsil another extension. He’d already signed two big deals since arriving in 2019, and with his 31st birthday looming ahead of the 2025 season, the Texans likely decided it was time to move on.
Washington, on the other hand, saw opportunity - and so far, they’ve been rewarded in a big way.
Tunsil has been everything the Commanders hoped for and then some. We already knew he was one of the best pass protectors in football, and he’s lived up to that billing.
But what’s caught the attention of the coaching staff is just how dominant he’s been in the run game. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury didn’t mince words when talking about Tunsil’s impact.
“To me, more than anything this season is just how he can move bodies in the run game,” Kingsbury said last week. “I knew he was a dominant pass protector, but the run game stuff has been phenomenal.”
That kind of versatility is rare at the left tackle spot, and it’s exactly what you want when you're trying to build a physical, balanced offense. But Tunsil’s value to Washington goes beyond the field.
He’s taken on a leadership role in the locker room, especially with rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., who’s shown real promise in his first year. Coaches and teammates have taken notice of the time Tunsil’s spent mentoring Conerly - and it’s paying off.
“He’s going to get a lot of money,” Kingsbury added.
No pressure, Adam Peters.
Tunsil, who represents himself in contract negotiations, knows the business. He’s not shy about his expectations, but he’s also not making a scene. He’s handled things like a pro.
“Whatever happens, happens,” Tunsil said recently. “Of course, I want to be paid. Of course, I want to stay with this organization… When we get to the offseason, we can handle it.”
And let’s be clear - Washington didn’t give up significant draft capital just to rent Tunsil for two years. He’s been a cornerstone piece in a season where not much else has gone right. The Commanders have the cap space and financial flexibility to lock him up long-term, and with a young quarterback in Jayden Daniels to protect, it’s not just a luxury - it’s a necessity.
Daniels hasn’t had the smoothest rookie season, battling injuries and inconsistency, but none of that falls on Tunsil. In fact, one of the main reasons Peters made the move for Tunsil in the first place was to give Daniels a premier blindside protector as he grows into the franchise quarterback role.
The 2025 campaign hasn’t gone according to plan for Washington. Injuries, inconsistency, and growing pains have defined much of the year. But the additions of Tunsil and Conerly have stood out as clear wins - foundational pieces for whatever this next era of Commanders football looks like.
That’s why extending Tunsil isn’t just likely - it’s inevitable. You don’t find elite left tackles on the open market, and you certainly don’t let them walk when you’ve already paid the price to bring them in.
Washington made a bold move to get Tunsil. Now it’s time to make sure he stays.