The Houston Texans have made a significant change to their offensive line, trading five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. The trade, which also includes a 2025 fourth-round pick from Houston, will bring a 2025 third-round pick, a 2025 seventh-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Texans.
Tunsil, who had been a key figure in Houston’s offensive line, is now set to protect Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. While the trade surprised some Texans players, it was a financial and strategic decision. Houston was not looking to commit another high-value contract at left tackle, especially given the team’s disappointing offensive line performance last season, during which quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked 52 times. Tunsil, although allowing just 2.5 sacks, led the NFL with 19 penalties, including 12 false starts.
The Texans are shifting their focus to a younger and more cost-effective offensive line. Tunsil had a team-high $20.9 million base salary and a $28.5 million cap hit, and the trade creates $13.85 million in immediate cap savings while removing $42.7 million in cash commitments for 2025 and 2026.
With Tunsil’s departure, Houston may look within the roster to fill the left tackle position. Possible options include moving Tytus Howard back to left tackle, his natural position from Alabama State, or giving second-year tackle Blake Fisher an opportunity. The free agent market also offers potential replacements, including Cam Robinson, Jedrick Wills, Joseph Noteboom, Trent Brown, and Tyron Smith.
Tunsil, 30, was originally acquired in a trade from the Miami Dolphins in 2019 and later signed a three-year, $66 million extension with $50 million guaranteed. In 2022, he reset the market again with a three-year, $75 million deal. Despite his elite athleticism and strong pass protection, penalties have been a recurring issue throughout his career.
The Texans have also released offensive guard Shaq Mason, designating him as a post-June 1 cut. While this move provides no immediate cap relief, it will create $9 million in savings later in the year.
This trade marks a major shift for the Texans as they continue to build a team around their young core, with key players like Derek Stingley Jr., C.J. Stroud, and Will Anderson Jr. expected to command significant contracts in the near future.
