Should the Commanders be concerned about why Laremy Tunsil was available?
Why would the Houston Texans trade one of the NFL's best left tackles with two years remaining on his contract? That's what many people around the NFL thought this week when the Texans sent Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders for multiple draft picks.
It wasn't just Tunsil; Houston gutted its offensive line, also trading a former first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles. There have been theories about why Houston sent Tunsil packing, from his propensity to commit false start penalties to leadership concerns, but Washington happily took Tunsil.
Washington general manager Adam Peter was desperate to keep adding pieces around quarterback Jayden Daniels, and it started up front. The Commanders were reportedly seriously interested in Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, but Baltimore re-signed him before free agency began.
Mike Florio of NBC Sports joined the "Sports Junkies" this week and said Tunsil should have a "buyer beware" label.
“I was surprised he was on the move, but the Texans are doing what they have to do to close the gap between themselves and the elite teams in the AFC,” Florio said, per Lou DiPietro of Audacy. “Two straight years they’ve lost in the Divisional Round, and they’re trying to get over that hump – and now, three offensive linemen are gone. Tunsil was a surprise, but he was the most penalized offensive lineman last year, and you could argue he’s starting on the downside of his career. I would say buyer beware, because if the Texans don’t consider him part of the solution, then he’s part of the problem.”
Florio always seems to have issues with just about anything Washington does. In this case, as an outsider, there are some questions. Remember, the Texans also have a young franchise quarterback to protect (C.J. Stroud), who happens to be close to Daniels. Why would they send him packing?
The truth is probably because the Texans didn't want to sign Tunsil to another contract extension. He'll be 31 soon. Washington gets Tunsil at a highly affordable rate for the next two seasons, especially for a Pro Bowl left tackle. If things go well, the Commanders will have no problems extending Tunsil. Tunsil is one of the NFL's most dependable offensive linemen, and Washington hopes he can play deep into his 30s, much like Trent Williams is with the 49ers.
If things don't work out, at least it buys Peters more time over the next two years to find Washington's future left tackle. In the meantime, Peters is protecting the franchise's No. 1 asset, and no cost is not too high.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Should Laremy Tunsil have a 'buyer beware' label for the Commanders?
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