Commanders’ blockbuster trade for $121 million star called ‘WTF’ move
The Washington Commanders stole the spotlight during the 2025 NFL free agency, making a couple of blockbuster trades with the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans that delivered the franchise Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil.
The moves have Washington in a position to continue building on the success that first-year head coach Dan Quinn and rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered last season, leading the Commanders to an NFC Championship appearance.
But, while the Commander might be the beneficiary of adding a Pro Bowl left tackle to protect Daniels' blindside, NFL insiders are left wondering what exactly the Texans are planning. After all, Houston had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last season and just gave away arguably their best piece upfront.
Washington and Houston's trade was listed as one of six "WTF moves" by Bleacher Report' s Gary Davenport. That comes in large part because the Texans will now be forced to hit on the position in the draft or risk further pressure on quarterback C.J. Stroud.
"Trading C.J. Stroud's blindside protector Laremy Tunsil most assuredly qualifies as a WTF move," Davenport wrote. "Yes, the five-time Pro Bowler committed a whopping 19 penalties in 2024, but he was also one of the best pass-blocking tackles in the league, allowing just two sacks in over 1,000 snaps, per PFF."
"The Texans also added veteran guard Laken Tomlinson, but the Tunsil trade was a head-scratcher for a team with postseason aspirations," Davenport continued. "Now it's a case of hitting on a tackle early in the draft—or else."
Houston may still have a hole to fill but Washington strengthened its offense by pulling the trigger on Tunsil. It's clear that the Commanders are going all in to maximize the window they have while Daniels is still on his rookie deal.
Tunsil has two years remaining on a three-year/$75 million extension that he signed ahead of the 2023 season. According to Spotrac, he's made $121.1 million during his professional career.
The Commanders will be the third team that Tunsil has suited up for during his ten years in the NFL. He's a five-time Pro Bowler, including three consecutive selections from 2022-24.
Related articles
Derek Stingley Jr. might not be the only Texans' defender who could land an extension this offseason, there's one more deserving candidate
$44.5 Million Lions Starter Makes it Clear He's Ready to Test Free Agent Market in New Post
Former NFL Player Makes Monumental Declaration on Texans Star
What we learned from a playoff weekend without Bears footballThe Latest
Cowboys Send Message on Trade for QB After Dak Prescott Update
The Dallas Cowboys feel good about where Dak Prescott is in his rehab but are not satisfied with the composition of their quarterback room and could turn to a trade to add depth. Prescott had surgery on his hamstring on Nov. 13. The injury limited him ...
Justin Tucker remains with Ravens as they wait for the NFL to conclude its investigation
The Ravens still have Justin Tucker on their roster, and Ravens president Sashi Brown said Sunday it will remain that way until the NFL concludes its investigation of the kicker. Sixteen massage therapists from eight Baltimore spas have accused Tucker of ...
Vikings Questioned After $51 Million Decision on 2-Time Pro Bowler
The Minnesota Vikings may have an unsettled quarterback situation, but they have addressed several other needs, including the defensive line with Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen in free agency. However, their spending spree was not without question. ESPN’s Benjamin Solak cited the moves Allen and Hargrave, focusing on ...
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Breaks Silence on Unexpected Aaron Rodgers Pivot
Ahead of NFL free agency, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan both made it clear that the team’s 2025 quarterback plan began with re-signing either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson before they each hit the open market. That didn’t happen, however, as the Steelers made an unexpected pivot ...
Are the Chicago Bears a legit candidate to trade up in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has proven to be a willing participant in NFL Draft trades. He's made more than a dozen during his tenure with the team, but one type of deal remains absent from his resume: trading up in ...
