Commanders’ blockbuster trade for $121 million star called ‘WTF’ move

Could Washington end up being the beneficiary of another team's blunder?

Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

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.

Sep 29, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (78) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

READ MORE: NFL agent believes Commanders’ Jayden Daniels could be first $90 million per year QB

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."

Dec 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (78) walks off the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

"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.

---

READ MORE: Super Bowl winning quarterback signs with Commanders' rival

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

More Washington Commanders News

• Former Commanders assistant coach hired by Georgia Bulldogs

• Analyst's favorite and least favorite Commanders move both on defense

• Commanders make some questionable picks in four-round mock NFL Draft

• Commanders should still be targeting $30+ million edge defender