Adam Peters’ big Commanders gamble already looks genius (and the NFL is noticing)

It didn't take long for Washington Commanders fans to figure out what Adam Peters' most pressing priority was this offseason. The general manager wanted to surround quarterback Jayden Daniels with an improved supporting cast, and this started in the trenches.

Peters' biggest blockbuster move of his second recruitment period was trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The Commanders had to pay a lot to get the elite blindside protector into the fold, but the rewards could be substantial.

Tunsil is a difference-maker in every sense of the term. He remains one of the league's most accomplished pass protectors, boasting longevity and consistency that very few can match. He's also got a lot of good football left, so this was a no-brainer from the Commanders' perspective once the Houston Texans became receptive to offers.

Commanders' trade for Laremy Tunsil continues to get rave reviews

Jeff Kerr from CBS Sports was suitably impressed, ranking Washington's acquisition of Tunsil at No. 2 on his list of trades during the offseason. Only wide receiver D.K. Metcalf's switch to the Pittsburgh Steelers was placed ahead of the transaction, and the analyst believes the Commanders have solved a glaring flaw that prevented them from reaching the Super Bowl in 2024.

The Commanders badly needed an upgrade at left tackle after getting blown out in the NFC Championship last season. They were able to get one of the better ones in football with [Laremy] Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowler at the position who is still in his prime at age 30. The goal is to protect Jayden Daniels and keep him upright, and the Commanders found that with Tunsil. He solidifies the left side of the offensive line.Jeff Kerr

With the Commanders also spending the No. 29 overall pick on Oregon standout Josh Conerly Jr., they now have a bookend tackle tandem that Daniels can trust fully. That wasn't the case last season, but the problems were masked thanks to the signal-caller's elite-level athleticism and escapability.

Tunsil is a marquee arrival. He's eager to make a lasting contribution and potentially get another lucrative deal at some stage. It's the sort of win-now move that fans were hoping for, and nobody should be happier than Daniels.

There aren't many analysts who've been critical of Washington's trade for Tunsil. If expectations are met, the Commanders will be in a better spot to topple the Philadelphia Eagles next time around.

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