The Washington Commanders entered the 2025 season with numerous roster uncertainties, but one move crystallized into a definitive success story. The franchise's acquisition of veteran left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans proved to be a masterstroke, providing the stability and elite performance that Washington desperately needed along its offensive front.
The Commanders invested significant draft capital to secure Tunsil's services, shipping a 2025 third-round selection, a seventh-round pick, and 2026 second- and fourth-round choices to Houston. While the price tag raised eyebrows across the league, the return on investment became undeniable as the season progressed. Tunsil didn't just meet expectations—he shattered them, establishing himself as Washington's most valuable offseason addition.
Elite Pass Protection Delivered
Protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels stood as the primary motivation behind the Tunsil trade, and the veteran delivered spectacularly in this department. Across 14 games, Tunsil surrendered a mere 15 pressures and just two sacks, numbers that place him among the NFL's premier pass protectors. Pro Football Focus recognized his dominance with an 88.9 pass-blocking grade, the second-highest mark among all tackles in the league.
This performance wasn't an anomaly but rather consistent with Tunsil's career trajectory. The two sacks allowed in 2025 marked the seventh time in his professional career that he's permitted two or fewer quarterback takedowns in a season. His pass-blocking efficiency rating of 98.1 ranked third-best among tackles over the past decade, underscoring his sustained excellence in keeping defenders at bay.
The impact on Washington's passing game proved immediate and substantial. Daniels operated with greater confidence knowing his blind side was secured by one of football's most reliable protectors. This stability allowed the offense to develop deeper routes and more complex schemes, fundamentally transforming the unit's capabilities.
A Career Renaissance in the Run Game
Perhaps most impressively, Tunsil silenced longstanding critics who questioned his prowess as a run blocker. The veteran posted a career-high 75.3 PFF grade in run blocking, demolishing the perception that this aspect of his game represented a weakness. He was defeated on only 7.9% of run plays, a rate that ranks second-best among NFC offensive tackles with at least 250 run-blocking snaps—trailing only the legendary Trent Williams.
Tunsil himself acknowledged the motivation behind this improvement. "I always want to be the best," he stated matter-of-factly. "And the way for me to do that is work my ass off." This dedication manifested in tangible results, as the Commanders' rushing attack flourished behind his enhanced performance.
The team's ground game ascended to elite status, finishing fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and tied for fourth in yards per carry. Tunsil's ability to create movement at the line of scrimmage and sustain blocks opened lanes that simply didn't exist in previous seasons. His transformation into a complete tackle—dominant in both pass protection and run blocking—elevated Washington's offense to new heights.
Elevating the Entire Unit
Great players don't just excel individually; they make everyone around them better. Tunsil exemplified this principle throughout the 2025 campaign. His presence and work ethic created a ripple effect across the entire offensive line, with teammates rising to meet the standard he established.
Guard Chris Paul serves as the perfect case study. Working alongside Tunsil, Paul achieved a career-high 78.2 PFF pass-blocking grade while allowing just two sacks and 17 pressures. The veteran tackle's influence extended beyond technical coaching—his professionalism, preparation, and intensity set a new tone for the unit.
"He really elevated everybody," noted analyst Logan Paulsen. This sentiment captures the intangible value Tunsil brought to Washington. The offensive line transformed from a question mark into a strength, with cohesion and confidence building week after week. Younger players had a blueprint for success modeled before them daily, while veterans found renewed purpose competing alongside an established star.
Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet
The Commanders' front office recognized Tunsil's impact extended far beyond measurable metrics. General manager Adam Peters, during the team's end-of-season press conference, praised the tackle as "outstanding both on the field and in the locker room." This dual excellence—production paired with leadership—made Tunsil invaluable to Washington's culture reset.
Peters remained somewhat coy regarding contract extension negotiations, as Tunsil's current deal expires after the 2026 season. However, the GM's intentions came through clearly: "we definitely want to get something done with him and sooner rather than later." This statement signals the organization's desire to build around Tunsil as a cornerstone piece rather than viewing him as a short-term rental.
The investment in draft capital, initially perceived as steep, now appears prescient. Quality left tackles represent perhaps the second-most valuable position in modern football behind quarterback, and Washington secured an elite one in his prime. The cost of multiple mid-round picks pales in comparison to the cost of failing to protect a franchise quarterback.
A Foundation for the Future
As the Commanders navigate their offseason planning, Tunsil stands as a rare certainty in an otherwise fluid landscape. His performance provides a foundation upon which Washington can build its offensive identity. The team knows it has one premium position locked down with a player who continues to improve even after establishing himself as a star.
The narrative surrounding the trade has completely flipped. What began as a gamble—mortgaging future draft capital for an expensive veteran—has become a case study in aggressive roster building paying dividends. Tunsil didn't just solidify the left tackle spot; he transformed the entire offensive line's culture and performance.
For a franchise seeking stability and respectability, Tunsil represents more than a player—he's a statement. Washington showed it understands modern roster construction by prioritizing premium position talent, and Tunsil validated that approach with an All-Pro caliber season.
Conclusion
Laremy Tunsil's inaugural season with the Washington Commanders exceeded even the loftiest expectations. He delivered elite pass protection, shattered preconceptions about his run blocking, elevated his teammates' performance, and provided the leadership necessary for a team in transition. The draft picks surrendered to acquire him now look like a bargain for a player of his caliber.
As Washington looks toward the future, extending Tunsil's contract appears not just desirable but essential. He's proven to be the Commanders' best offseason addition, and his presence gives the franchise a legitimate building block for sustained success. In a league where offensive line play often determines championship viability, Washington found itself a cornerstone.