The NFL’s first day of legal tampering was a memorable one, as we saw Sam Darnold agree to a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, Justin Fields found a new home with the New York Jets, and the Philadelphia Eagles lost valued free agents Josh Sweat and Milton Williams to the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, respectively. However, the big news of the day was a trade that no one saw coming.

The Houston Texans are trading star left tackle Laremy Tunsil and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, a 2025 seventh-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick, according to The Washington Post. After shocking the NFL world by making the NFC Championship game last season, Washington is clearly trying to compete for a Super Bowl as soon as possible. Commanders general manager Adam Peters has traded for Deebo Samuel and Tunsil in just the last couple weeks. Could Trey Hendrickson be next?

Grading the Blockbuster Trade

Commanders: B+

The Commanders haven’t fully embraced Sean McVay’s “eff them picks” strategy yet, but they’re getting close! Washington traded for Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints at the trade deadline and has now added Tunsil, surrendering a third-round and seventh-round pick this year, along with a second and fourth round next year. If this leads to a Super Bowl win within two years, this trade will be seen as an ‘A+’ move.

Texans: C-

Houston’s offensive line struggled in 2024 allowing C.J. Stroud to be sacked 52 times. The Texans ranked No. 22 in yardage and No. 19 in scoring. With Tunsil departing, improving Stroud’s protection has become crucial, especially since it’s unclear who will fill this void. The Texans must sharpen their focus on offensive line improvements to maintain competitive gameplay.

Laremy Tunsil