Commanders' next move after blockbuster Terry McLaurin deal is painfully obvious

Fans are eagerly awaiting a successful outcome to Terry McLaurin's ongoing contract battle with the Washington Commanders. It's been a long time coming, but a new deal has now been officially confirmed.

It was a long, drawn-out saga. Both sides were seemingly dug into their respective stances, and fans were becoming increasingly concerned that the relationship would sour beyond breaking point. But just when it seemed like all hope was lost, McLaurin signed a new three-year, $96 million extension that also came with a $30 million signing bonus.

And now, there is something else Peters would be wise to turn his attention to.

Commanders should work on Laremy Tunsil's extension after massive Terry McLaurin deal

Peters doesn't need a distraction like this hanging over the organization again. It was a dark cloud that threatened to jeopardize Washington's chances of building on its phenomenal 2024 campaign. That's why trying to work out an extension with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil should be high on his list of priorities.

Tunsil was acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Houston Texans this offseason. The Commanders felt like Jayden Daniels needed an elite blindside enforcer to take his game to the next level. Peters had to give up a premium to secure his services, but to get the best, you have to pay.

The former Ole Miss standout said that he'd made his feelings known about an extension when speaking to Peters after the trade was finalized. Tunsil's always prided himself on being the highest-paid, or very close to that. While he's got two more years on his deal and is 31 years old, it might be worth the Commanders sorting this way ahead of time to not only avoid complications but to potentially save some money in the long run.

Washington doesn't see Tunsil as a band-aid fix to an ongoing complication. They want him to be a long-term piece of the puzzle, and tackles play well into their 30s these days. But if he performs well in 2025 and doesn't have a new deal by that point, it's almost guaranteed that he'll adopt the same approach as McLaurin.

Peters has a simple solution to this. Get a deal done now that works for the player and the franchise. Considering cornerback Marshon Lattimore and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will also be looking for new deals, ticking Tunsil off the to-do list seems feasible.

McLaurin is done at long last. If Peters had any sense, Tunsil should be next.

More Commanders news and analysis