One of the more notable moves during the opening stages of free agency was the trade sending Laremy Tunsil from the Texans to the Commanders. The move came as a bit of a surprise, especially as Tunsil represented one of Houston’s only reliable lineman following a 2024 campaign where C.J. Stroud finished second in sacks.
While speaking with reporters today, the lineman revealed that the Texans’ decision was financially motivated. Tunsil said the Texans were prioritizing extensions for younger players, making his lucrative contract untenable.
“Pretty much, they’re just trying to keep the young guys together,” Tunsil said (via NFL.com’s Nick Shook). “It’s as simple as that … They drafted some young guys, and they hit on every draft pick. They’re trying to keep those guys together, so I fully understand … It’s no hard feelings. At the end of the day, it’s a business. I don’t take anything personal. It’s no hard feelings against the Houston Texans.”
Tunsil is plenty familiar with switching teams, as the lineman was once traded from Miami for a pair of first-round picks. Still attached to a three-year, $75M deal, the lineman’s trade package in 2025 was highlighted by a second- and third-round pick. Tunsil was still productive during his age-30 season. He continued his three-year run as a top-20 offensive tackle via Pro Football Focus, and he finished this past year ranked 10th in pass rush win rate.
While Houston couldn’t budget for his impending cap hits, the Commanders were more than happy to take him on to their squad. With no remaining guaranteed money on his contract, the Commanders will still likely have to budget for some kind of extension with the veteran, although the team was surely preparing for that when they made the trade.
Laremy Tunsil reveals why he was shockingly traded by the Texans
With that said, nobody expected Laremy Tunsil to be jettisoned off considering his history in the league. While, yes, Tunsil had a down year in 2024, fans were left stunned by the team agreeing to send him to the Commanders for three total picks between this year and next year's draft.
Why did the Texans do this? The goal was to get better on offense, not worse, so what gives? Why was this deal done?
Well, Tunsil explained why during his introductory press conference in DC. He said that the Texans informed him they wanted to ensure they could pay their young core on the line. "It's a young man's game and I've seen it for myself," Tunsil said.
Laremy Tunsil says he was traded so Texans could pay other linemen
Even though the reasoning does make sense, it's still unfortunate that Houston couldn't figure out a way to keep Tunsil, who spent the last six years with the Texans. He is 30 years old and is coming off a not-so-great season so perhaps trading him now while he could still get something for him makes sense but it was a pretty surprising move.
Let's hope that this ends up looking like a great move by the Texans when the 2025 season wraps up and that they can add some talented players with those acquired draft picks. Otherwise, this will continue to be a puzzling move for a team that needs to desperately hope the line can protect its young quarterback in a key third season.
