NFL Coordinator Warns Commanders About Laremy Tunsil

Trading away four draft picks and getting a Pro Bowl left tackle in return looked like a great deal for the Washington Commanders, but they’ve been warned about Laremy Tunsil.

An unnamed NFL coordinator admitted Tunsil is “still as good as anyone,” but he cautioned, “Honestly, I think he just gets bored and loses focus sometimes but I’m guessing he will be highly motivated in Washington, and when he is he’s among the very best,” according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The latter doubled down on the notion Tunsil struggles with concentration issues. As Fowler pointed out, “Tunsil is an imperfect player — he struggles with penalties, and the Houston Texans’ offensive line struggled overall in 2024 — he’s on the short list at a premier position.”

Both Fowler and the coordinator whose opinion he sought share the same view of Tunsil. That he’s still a marquee blindside protector, but one who will be guilty of a costly lapse or two.

While that isn’t unusual, even for veteran players, the Commanders can’t afford anything that risks franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. Preserving their prized asset is why they made a deal for Tunsil, but he’s already faced criticism this offseason.

Commanders Trade for Laremy Tunsil a Calculated Gamble

The note of caution spelled out by Fowler and others was part of an overall sentiment the Commanders took a calculated risk to acquire Tunsil. They traded a quartet of picks to get a 30-year-old and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft that became a potential breakout playmaker, wide receiver Jaylin Lane.

It was a hefty haul, but as Fowler put it, “essentially, Washington gave up two Day 2 picks and change for Tunsil.” They did so confident Tunsil is still the tackle who’s been voted to five Pro Bowls.

That confidence is more a leap of faith after Tunsil was guilty of 19 penalties last season, per Pro Football Focus. He also allowed two sacks, three quarterback hits and 19 pressures.

His overall numbers are solid, but the Commanders need Tunsil to return to an elite level. The process has started this offseason, albeit in less than auspicious circumstances.

Laremy Tunsil Off to Slow Start With Commanders

Tunsil no-showed the first day of voluntary OTAs, prompting a scathing put-down from 106.7 The Fan’s Lynnell Willingham: “The Laremy Tunsil thing, that’s where I have a problem. You can be on U Street, doing the Cotton Eye Joe, messing the club up, buying sections doing the whole nine, but you can’t show up to voluntary OTAs? No one’s asking you to be a leader, just be there! Show that you care. Show that you’re not above it. I know this is what he did in Houston. This ain’t Houston.”

Willingham wasn’t done there, even after Tunsil attended the Commanders’ minicamp: “All I know is this. Laremy Tunsil didn’t show up to voluntary OTAs, and when he showed up at mandatory minicamp, he did as much work out there as I did.”

Questions about Tunsil’s health and conditioning abound while he’s done so little this offseason. Yet, it’s tough to dispute what the 13th player taken in the 2016 NFL draft has done on the field once the games matter.

He’s been an accomplished pass-protector and a force in space. The Commanders are counting on those qualities, along with Tunsil’s veteran savvy, helping him form a bookend tackle tandem with this year’s top draft pick Josh Conerly Jr.

This is an exciting duo, but it would look better if Tunsil had set a better example for the rookie earlier in team activities.