The Washington Commanders made one of the most significant trench upgrades of the 2025 offseason by securing premier bookend tackles in veteran Laremy Tunsil and rookie first-rounder Josh Conerly Jr. For a team building around dynamic second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, the offensive line moves signal a commitment to dominance in the trenches, and it could be the key that unlocks a new level for the offense in 2025.
The combination of Tunsil’s elite pass-blocking and Conerly’s upside gives Washington one of the most balanced tackle duos in the NFC. With protection on the edges solidified, Daniels is now set up to thrive with more time to operate, better-designed runs, and far fewer hits from blindside blitzes.
A Franchise Left Tackle and a Future Star
Tunsil enters the fold as one of the league’s most dependable and polished left tackles. Acquired from the Texans via a major offseason trade, Tunsil brings experience, leadership, and All-Pro level performance. In 2024, he allowed just two sacks in over 900 pass-blocking snaps. His footwork, punch timing, and ability to neutralize elite pass rushers immediately upgrade the blindside protection for Daniels, who often had to improvise or flee the pocket last year.
Tunsil’s presence also allows Washington to open up more of Kliff Kingsbury’s playbook. Longer-developing routes, deeper play-action shots, and quarterback-designed runs become more viable when the left edge is locked down. He offers the kind of consistency that young quarterbacks lean on when learning how to navigate blitzes and disguises.
On the opposite side, Conerly Jr. is the odds-on favorite to step in as the Commanders’ first-round draft pick to become the opening day starter and right tackle of the future. Known for his athleticism and upside, Conerly impressed scouts with his movement skills, football IQ, and ability to mirror defenders. Though he’s a rookie, he comes from a polished system at Oregon and showed well in both zone and power run concepts.
Conerly is more than just a long-term investment. His agility on the right side opens the door for designed quarterback rollouts, misdirection plays, and pulling blocks. These concepts are key staples in Kingsbury’s evolving offensive scheme. With mentorship from Tunsil and veteran interior linemen, Conerly is in a perfect position to develop while making an immediate impact.
Elevating Jayden Daniels and the Offense
The real winner in all of this? Daniels. In 2024, Daniels showed star potential, accounting for over 3,000 total yards and 22 touchdowns. But much of that production came under duress. He was among the league leaders in quarterback hurries and sacks absorbed (47), often due to edge pressure collapsing the pocket.
With Tunsil and Conerly manning the edges, Daniels can now climb the pocket confidently. That protection trust allows him to stay on schedule, hit deeper routes to receivers like Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, and use his legs more strategically rather than out of necessity. Daniels’ game is built on timing and movement, and this revamped line gives him the environment to execute cleanly.
The Commanders’ run game also stands to benefit. Washington boasts a diverse backfield featuring Austin Ekeler, Brian Robinson Jr., and rookie speedster Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With athletic tackles leading outside zone plays and sealing edges, running backs can hit lanes faster and bounce outside when necessary.
The Commanders’ dual-threat offense becomes harder to defend when the line sets the tone. Defensive ends can’t just pin their ears back anymore, and linebackers must respect both the run and RPO looks. For the Commanders, that balance could be the difference between another playoff berth and a deep postseason run.
Why This Duo Changes Everything
Stability and Trust: Daniels now plays behind the most reliable tackle duo the franchise has had in years.
Scheme Flexibility: Kingsbury can dial up more complex route concepts and running schemes with confidence in protection.
Locker Room Impact: Tunsil’s presence brings credibility and leadership, while Conerly Jr. injects youth and enthusiasm.
Washington invested heavily in securing their offensive edges, and the payoff could be tremendous. With elite bookends up front, the Commanders are no longer hoping Daniels survives pressure. They’re setting him up to thrive in it.
