The Washington Commanders caused a major splash this offseason by trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This was the game-changing blindside enforcer Adam Peters wanted to protect star quarterback Jayden Daniels — something that reaffirmed the belief that this once-downtrodden franchise was going for it all in 2025.
Tunsil's credentials need no introduction. He's got two years remaining on his deal, but speculation regarding a longer-term commitment is already growing. The Commanders have a problem to solve with wide receiver Terry McLaurin before this matter takes priority, but one notable development around the league indicates Peters is already on the clock.
The Los Angeles Chargers rewarded stud left tackle Rashawn Slater for an incredible career start with a new extension. It's a four-year, $114 million commitment that comes with $92 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history for good measure.
Commanders have a new measuring stick in potential Laremy Tunsil contract negotiations
This won't go unnoticed by Tunsil or any other premier edge protector looking for some extra financial security. Slater is a lot younger with more long-term upside, but his per-year average far exceeds what the former first-round pick out of Ole Miss is currently making.
Tunsil stated upon joining the Commanders that he's let those in power know his feelings about a new contract. He hasn't forced the issue or made things more complicated than needed as yet, but that doesn't mean he won't if no offer arrives.
Just when that'll be is the big question nobody knows the answer to right now. Tunsil is 31 years old in a few days (August 2nd). Peters has been reluctant to pay McLaurin the going rate due to his age. He might adopt the same philosophy with his new offensive tackle, although linemen do tend to perform well later into their careers compared to wide receivers.
NFL inflation is a real thing. Slater has reset the market, which typically indicates the price has gone up for everyone else. Considering that Tunsil has long been regarded among the league's most prolific pass protectors, he might want a similar financial commitment from the Commanders.
Peters could adopt a wait-and-see approach this season, even though that might end up costing him more in the long run. If Tunsil performs as expected and cleans up the discipline issues that became an ongoing frustration with the Houston Texans in 2024, the Commanders will be only too willing to get another extension worked out.
And looking at how Tunsil has prided himself on being the best-paid tackle throughout his career, that's not going to be cheap.
