Keim
With Tunsil trade, Commanders trying to maximize Super Bowl window
Last season, the Washington Commanders rode rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' talent to the NFC Championship Game. Now, they're hoping to ride his contract to a Super Bowl.
Nothing better explains their aggressive move to acquire Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans for multiple draft picks at the start of the NFL's legal negotiating window Monday. The veteran still has two remaining years on a three-year, $75 million deal that will soon require an extension. But Washington's window to win its first title since the 1991 season is officially open, and they are trying to take advantage.
The trade is the second big move the franchise has made this offseason. On March 1, they traded a fifth-round pick for receiver Deebo Samuel, and his $17.5 million cap hit, to provide an upgraded weapon for Daniels. Back in October, they traded two draft picks for cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
...At one point, according to team sources, they had interest in Cincinnati defensive end Trey Hendrickson. But that, too, would cost more picks and even more cap space. Although they can always maneuver in the draft to acquire more picks, those picks would be used as assets to acquire proven talent, which is what Washington did in landing Tunsil.
Trading for Tunsil also helps Washington better protect its most valuable asset: Daniels. While Tunsil commits a lot of penalties -- a league-high 17 last season, including 12 false starts -- he is a five-time Pro Bowl tackle, including being selected in each of the past three seasons. Tunsil moves well and is long -- both good traits for a tackle -- and, as one defensive coach who faced Houston this year said, "When he's healthy and right, he's as good as there is in the league."
He can help as a run blocker, and his addition allows Brandon Coleman, another easy mover who started 15 games at left tackle last season, to move to guard or right tackle. This gives Washington the pieces to have a strong offensive line core for next few seasons -- something the Eagles have enjoyed recently. Tunsil will turn 31 in August. So, it's not far-fetched to think he could play five or six more years.
...Washington's building process is not done. The Commanders need more talent and youth on defense, particularly along the line. But this team felt it had unfinished business after last season. They're taking advantage of a rare player in Daniels, whose talent, they are hoping, will help keep them competitive long term and whose contract can help them do it in the short term as well.
At this time two years ago, they were looking for a new owner. Last year they were looking for a quarterback. Now it's clear they're looking for anything that can help them get the biggest prize: A Lombardi Trophy.
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