The Houston Texans have agreed to trade left tackle Laremy Tunsil and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Washington Commanders for third- and seventh-round picks in 2025 as well as second- and fourth-rounders in 2026.
Why they made the deal
The Commanders needed to upgrade the blindside protection of quarterback Jayden Daniels, and the demand for quality tackle play far exceeded the supply in free agency, leading to massive contracts in the early hours of the negotiating window. But for a Commanders team that boasts the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, who just led Washington to a surprising trip to the NFC Championship Game, it’s worth trying to maximize their opportunity while he’s on his rookie deal for three more seasons.
Tunsil, who turns 31 in August, has been selected to five of the past six Pro Bowls. He’s been an upper-tier tackle throughout his career, and he’ll be a significant upgrade over Brandon Coleman, who struggled as a rookie. Tunsil has two years and $42.7 million remaining on his contract, including $10 million in 2025, so there’s a chance for an extension.
The Texans recouped a haul of draft picks, and they’re making an offensive shift this offseason after firing coordinator Bobby Slowik. It’s still a bit curious to move on from Tunsil after the Texans endured so many issues on the line last season, but general manager Nick Caserio has made so many good decisions in recent years that he’s earned the benefit of the doubt with whatever his strategy is here.
At minimum, it could be a situation where the Texans know they’ve got to pay quarterback C.J. Stroud a year from now. At that point, Tunsil would be entering the final year of his contract on the verge of his age-32 season, so his trade value wouldn’t be nearly as high. There’d also be more of a risk with an extension due to his age.
The Commanders acquire Laremy Tunsil, who was voted to the Pro Bowl in each of his final three seasons in Houston.
Tunsil allowed the 5th-lowest pressure rate (8.0%) and 2nd-lowest sack rate (0.6%) among left tackles over that time span.@Commanders | #HTTC https://t.co/sbj8Ux5UEr pic.twitter.com/PeFRjdhxTo
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 10, 2025
Commanders trade grade: A-
General manager Adam Peters hasn’t been shy about acquiring proven veteran talent. The Commanders landed cornerback Marshon Lattimore at the trade deadline and wide receiver Deebo Samuel and Tunsil this month. Peters is aggressively trying to improve the roster with Daniels on the affordable terms of his contract.
Daniels was outstanding despite poor play from the left tackle spot last season. Even though he’s proven his ability to scramble all over the field and make plays off schedule, it’s a dangerous way to live, so Tunsil’s presence could help Daniels stay in a better rhythm from within the pocket.
This move doesn’t come without risk, though. Again, the Texans’ front was bad last season, albeit around Tunsil’s Pro Bowl campaign, so it’s fair to wonder if the production is dipping as he enters his 30s.
Texans trade grade: B
Not only have the Texans drafted well, but they showed in 2023 that they’re willing to make loud trades up the board. This collection of picks will give Caserio the freedom to maneuverer about the board however he’d like over the next couple of drafts.
Of course, if the offensive line doesn’t improve in 2025, this trade will come under heavy scrutiny. As the Commanders are unafraid to maximize their QB on a rookie contract, it’s worth wondering why the Texans are comfortable moving on from Tunsil with Stroud on his affordable terms.
If this is more about reading the room with their future business dealings, it’ll go down as a shrewd move at the perfect time. But for that to happen, the Texans have to make sure their line is in good shape. They have a long way to go before they can say that confidently.
(Photo: Troy Taormina / Imagn Images)
