Much of the focus centered on wide receiver Terry McLaurin's no-show at voluntary organized team activities. However, one Washington Commanders insider had a massive problem with another veteran absentee.
McLaurin is looking for a new deal and is willing to sit out until something gets rubber-stamped. There's no need to panic, but the former third-round pick wasn't the only prominent performer who opted not to participate.
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore was also nowhere to be found, as was Laremy Tunsil. The five-time Pro Bowl left tackle was acquired this offseason in a blockbuster trade from the Houston Texans. Big things are expected from the blindside enforcer, so not showing up didn't go down well with some.
Laremy Tunsil blasted for skipping Commanders voluntary OTAs
Lynnell Willingham from 106.7 The Fan blasted Tunsil for not showing up. He thought it set the wrong example when most others found the time to get preparations for the new season ramped up. He also pointed to the criticism defensive end Chase Young received as an example of why it should matter to fans.
"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. And guess what, the Texans traded his a--. I hope he figures it out because I'm not cool with him not showing up. And for all of you out there who say no big deal, was it no big deal when Chase Young didn't show up?"
Tunsil is a proven veteran who knows how to prepare effectively. Missing OTAs isn't ideal, especially considering he's new to the franchise, and the culture that head coach Dan Quinn developed warranted maximum commitment. But it only becomes a major issue if the blindside presence is missing for Washington's mandatory minicamp.
There could also be contractual reasons why Tunsil is sitting out. The former first-round pick out of Ole Miss made his feelings known to general manager Adam Peters about a new deal. Just what they are hasn't been revealed, but his no-show might be a ploy to get a long-term commitment from the organization.
This outburst from Willingham was a little over the top. Tunsil is a solid pro who rarely puts a foot wrong when the real action arrives. The Commanders placed a large wager on this being the case in 2025, regardless of whether he turns up for voluntary OTAs or not.
