Commanders Relying on Laremy Tunsil to Fix One Key Area

The Washington Commanders were busy this offseason shipping out 2025 NFL Draft picks in exchange for veteran stars. They believe these acquisitions can bring their Super Bowl window closer than ever following a surprising run to the NFC championship game last season.

Two trades on the offensive side of the ball stand out: Acquiring receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers and offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans.

Samuel should be an exciting addition to breakout quarterback Jayden Daniels' weaponry, but adding Tunsil could be a game-changer ... if the investment doesn't tank.

Last season the Commanders had Brandon Coleman, a rookie third-round pick, protecting Daniels' blindside at left tackle and many indications said they might keep it that way for the future. However, general manager Adam Peters chose to be aggressive in pursuit of someone more experienced.

Tunsil is a five-time Pro Bowler with the Texans and highly-regarded as one of the best tackles entering his prime. But things didn't feel that way last season.

He had a noticeable dip in production from what we're accustomed to from him. ESPN notes that Tunsil did have a solid season as a blocker with just a 2.2% quick pressure rate and only 2.5 sacks allowed in 17 games, but that wasn't the whole story.

His struggle came in penalties ... usually before the snap. Tunsil was flagged a league-high 19 times, with 12 being false starts. He was whistled six separate times in one game alone against the Minnesota Vikings, including three illegal formations.

That particular instance could be chalked up to a bad day at the office, but this full season could also warrant some concern from a player with Tunsil's experience.

Tunsil has had difficulties drawing flags before, but 2024 seemed to be an outlier that may or may not foreshadow future struggles.

Peters and the Commanders sure hope it doesn't.

With a second-year quarterback, a strong offensive line is pivotal in sustaining postseason success - no matter how well Daniels can scamper out of the pocket.

Washington is relying on Tunsil having more in the tank than what he showed last year. And at 30 years old, they believe he has plenty of good years left in him ... or they wouldn't turn to him to protect a QB who has his whole career ahead.

Tunsil, who represents himself in financial negotiations, is entering the final year of his three-year $75 million contract signed with Houston in 2023. He'll be paid $21 million to play a premium position this season, which could be looked at as a steal given his track record to this point and inherited importance on the roster.

His performance will dictate whether the move was worth it for the Commanders, but in this win-now window, they won't be satisfied with the season Tunsil had last year.

A chip on his shoulder and in a contract year? That motivation could be exactly what Tunsil needs to avoid being at the center of a flopped trade.