Commanders’ big-name addition still can’t shake one stubborn problem

When the Washington Commanders gave up substantial draft capital for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, it was yet another significant statement of intent from general manager Adam Peters. He had the franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels. Now, he managed to secure an elite left tackle to protect his blindside.

Tunsil has been as advertised so far. The four-time Pro Bowler is an elite pass protector, capable of keeping even the league's most dangerous edge rushers out of the backfield consistently. Although he's not spectacular on running plays, he makes a decent-enough contribution to the cause.

However, there is one stubborn problem that doesn't seem to be getting better anytime soon.

Commanders need Laremy Tunsil to eradicate his penalty problems

Nobody is doubting Tunsil's production. He's been one of the league's most accomplished enforcers almost from the moment he came into the NFL as a first-round pick out of Ole Miss. Even so, the number of penalties he's conceding continues to raise alarm bells.

After being responsible for 14 penalties last season with the Houston Texans, Tunsil is well on course to match or even exceed this number in Washington. He's already on seven penalties in 2025, ranking 113th out of 114 qualifying offensive tackles according to Pro Football Focus. It's profoundly frustrating and represents a stain on his otherwise encouraging start to life with the Commanders.

Whether Tunsil can rectify these infringement issues at this relatively late stage of his playing career is anyone's guess. The Commanders were aware of this red flag when they traded for him. While the positives far outweigh the negatives, eliminating or reducing the frequency of these penalties would be advantageous.

Aside from that, it's been fantastic. Tunsil has given up just one sack from 235 pass-blocking snaps. His 87.0 pass-blocking grade from PFF ranks fourth league-wide. The footwork, ability to mirror, and maintaining leverage have been a breath of fresh air, which was essential considering the ever-changing landscape on Washington's offensive line interior.

Tunsil is experienced enough to know that this cannot go on for much longer. However, considering his overall body of work in recent years, the Commanders will have to accept his one flaw and hope it doesn't cost them in a crucial moment.

Acquiring Tunsil was still a tremendous piece of business by the Commanders. They've been crying out for stability at left tackle. Now, they have it, and although the penalties are not ideal, the performance levels are night and day compared to anything Washington's churned out on the blindside since the previous regime inexplicably mismanaged Trent Williams' situation before trading him to the San Francisco 49ers.

It's a problem. But it's relatively minor compared to the other issues the Commanders are dealing with.