HOUSTON – Although the Texans traded away Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders a week ago, the five-time Pro Bowl left tackle doesn’t hold any ill will toward his former NFL employer.
Traded previously from the Miami Dolphins, the former first-round draft pick from Mississippi twice reset the elite tackle market with trend-setting contracts with the Texans.
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Now, Tunsil, 30, said his conversations with general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans left him with only one impression about the organization: a positive one.
The Texans, who rewarded All-Pro defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. with a three-year, $90 million contract that made him the highest paid corner in the game, are committed to taking care of the young talent on the roster that includes him, quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. Having Tunsil on the books would have made those financial goals much more difficult. Stroud and Anderson will be eligible for new deals next year after the two former first-round picks and Pro Bowl selections complete the third year of their respective rookie contracts.
So, ultimately, Tunsil was traded to the Commanders this week along with a 2025 fourth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, 2025 seventh-round pick, 2026 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round selection. per a source. Multiple league sources with direct knowledge of why Tunsil was traded emphasized to KPRC 2 that this was primarily a financially-motivated decision along with a desire to acquire valuable draft capital coupled with the star lineman’s desire for a new top-of-the-market deal at some point. Tunsil, a former team captain for the Texans, was and is well-respected in the locker room and highly regarded for his play. Turning 31 in August, though. Tunsil’s value for potential trades could have dipped considerably within the next year.
“They just paid Stingley, they gave that boy that bag, so I truly understand it,” Tunsil said during his introductory press conference Monday. “At the end of the day, it’s a business. I don’t take anything personal. It’s no hard feelings against the Houston Texans. I thank them for everything they did for me and my family to changing my life. I get it.”
Tunsil, 30, allowed just 2 1/2 sacks last season, according to Next Gen Stats. He was disappointed by his league-high 19 penalties. There was no question, though, that Tunsil can still play at an extremely high level.
“I can make a huge impact,” Tunsil said. “Pass protector, damn good run blocker.”
He’s now the blindside protector for star quarterback Jayden Daniels.
“I damn sure can’t wait to block for Jayden Daniels,” Tunsil said. “He’s a baller. It seems like he’s a better dude. I can’t wait. He’s gonna make my job hella easy.”
Tunsil acknowledged, though, that last season wasn’t a good one for the offensive line.
They allowed Stroud to be sacked 52 times last year in the regular season. He was sacked 11 more times in two playoffs games, including eight sacks and 14 quarterback hits in an AFC divisional round playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Texans are overhauling their offensive line: firing offensive line coach Chris Strausser and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and replacing them with run game coordinator/offensive line coach Cole Popovich and Nick Caley.
They released starting right guard Shaq Mason. And they traded for offensive guard Ed Ingram from the Minnesota Vikings and signed former Pro Bowl guard Laken Tomlinson to a one-year, $5 million deal. Tytus Howard and Blake Fisher are now projected as the Texans’ starting left tackle and right tackle, per league sources.
“We could have done a lot of things better, myself included,” Tunsil said. “We could have protected C.J. better. It’s a lot of things that played a part in what happened last year, but, again, I just can’t take it personal. I honestly think it was just a business move to try to pay the young guys. I don’t think it was off the play from last year.”
Tunsil is due a $20.95 million base salary this year and next year.
The Commanders may want to get to the negotiating table with Tunsil. His desire for a new deal isn’t a secret.
“The front office knows where I stand,” Tunsil said. “We’re just going to keep it in-house. But they know where I stand.”
Tunsil broke his silence on the trade with a lengthy statement where he thanked the city of Houston. Notably, he didn’t reference the Texans or the trade or the Commanders. Instead, the former Texans team captain focused on emTotions and his personal growth.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but from the moment I arrived, this city embraced me and my family with open arms,” Tunsil wrote on social media. “Houston became more than just a place I played football it became home. Over the years, I’ve grown not just as a player, but as a man, and this city will always hold a special place in my heart. Being part of this community has been an honor.
“From working with the Urban Enrichment Institute to supporting the Gracewood Foundation for single mothers, Second Servings Houston, etc., I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the strength, resilience, and generosity that make this city so special. Thank you for allowing me to contribute to something greater than the game and for giving me the opportunity to give back to the place that has given me so much. Houston, you welcomed me as one of your own, and for that, I will always be grateful. With love, LT.”
The Tunsil trade surprised and disappointed some Texans players.
The team ultimately felt it’s in their best interests and his to part ways at this time, per sources. Future financial planning is a definite factor, too. Derek Stingley Jr., could become the NFL’s highst paid corner this year. Next year: quarterback C.J .Stroud, and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. become eligible for contract extensions
The trade created $13.85 million in immediately salary cap savings. In terms of cash, the Texans take $42.7 million off the books in 2025 and 2026 combined.
Tunsil impressively shut out Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, a Pro Bowl selection, former top overall pick and consensus All-American from Texas A&M regarded as one of the top defensive players in the NFL. Tunsil, entering a playoff matchup two seasons ago, had allowed just one pressure in 40 matchups with Garrett since 2018, according to NextGen Stats, for a 2.5 percent pressure rate that represents Garrett’s worst against any offensive tackle in a playoff victory.
“I think his athletic ability is elite,” former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger said in a telephone interview with KPRC 2. “It’s just the consistency. Laremy is really good at tying his guy up and not allowing penetration in the backfield. He maintains his mentality. He has composure. He dealt with years of losing. Some guy can’t handle it. Laremy did.”
And Tunsil moves forward now in the NFC East.
“I think I can make a huge impact, quickly honestly,” Tunsil said. “In my opinion, they traded me for that reason: to make a huge impact on my team. I’m down to do whatever they want me to do.”
NOTE: The Texans released cornerback Anthony Averett, waived safety Brandon Hill with a failed physical designation and waived wide receiver Kearis Jackson.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.
