Monday’s whirlwind of free agent signings across the NFL took a dramatic turn when the Houston Texans struck a deal with the Washington Commanders. The trade sends five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington in exchange for a package of draft picks spread across the 2025 and 2026 NFL drafts.
A Major Upgrade for Washington’s Offensive Line
The Commanders have made it clear they are committed to protecting their young franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels. Fresh off a historic rookie season that earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, Daniels now has a proven veteran guarding his blind side.
Tunsil, who still has two years remaining on the three-year extension he signed with Houston in 2023, provides Washington with a reliable left tackle who has missed just three games over the past three seasons. With the team failing to land top free agent tackle Ronnie Stanley—who re-signed with the Ravens—Washington pivoted quickly to acquire Tunsil. The move gives them a short-term solution while also buying time to develop 2024 third-round pick Brandon Coleman.
Financially, the deal is structured in a way that protects Washington. Tunsil will be the fifth-highest-paid tackle in the league this season, carrying a $21.35 million cap hit for 2025 and 2026. However, if the move doesn’t work out, the Commanders can release him before June 1 next offseason without any dead money on their books. While the deal limits Washington’s draft flexibility—leaving them with only two top-100 selections in 2025—the front office is clearly focused on maximizing Daniels’ rookie contract window.
Houston’s Gamble: Rebuilding the Offensive Line
The Texans, meanwhile, are taking a different approach. Despite already struggling on the offensive line in 2024, they opted to part ways with their most accomplished lineman. Pro Football Focus graded Tunsil as one of the top pass blockers last season, allowing just two sacks. His departure leaves a significant hole in protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud, particularly given the inexperience of his expected replacement, Blake Fisher. The 2024 second-round pick ranked near the bottom among qualifying tackles last season, raising concerns about Stroud’s blindside protection.
However, Houston is betting on long-term gains. The trade gives them four additional picks: a third- and seventh-rounder in 2025, plus a second- and fourth-rounder in 2026. This influx of draft capital positions them well for a future tackle acquisition, though it may require additional maneuvering to secure a high-end prospect.
Another potential benefit of the move is financial flexibility. By avoiding another costly Tunsil extension, the Texans have more cap space to work with—possibly for a future mega-deal to retain Stroud. But in the short term, the trade weakens an already questionable offensive line, which could prove costly in a competitive AFC.
Final Trade Grades
- Washington Commanders: A
The Commanders addressed a critical need, ensuring Jayden Daniels has top-tier protection without jeopardizing their financial future. While they sacrificed draft capital, the move strengthens their offense significantly. - Houston Texans: C+
Houston gains valuable draft assets and cap relief, but at the expense of their franchise quarterback’s protection. The move introduces immediate risks, and the success of this trade will ultimately depend on how well the Texans reinvest their newly acquired resources.
This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises. The Commanders solidify their offensive line in hopes of accelerating their young quarterback’s development, while the Texans gamble on future potential at the cost of present stability. Only time will tell who truly won this deal.
Keep up with the Houston Texans with us on Que Onda Magazine.
