One week ago, Laremy Tunsil found himself preparing for the second significant move of his NFL career.
In an instant, Tunsil learned he'd been traded from Houston to Washington, going from being asked to protect one rising star quarterback in C.J. Stroud to Stroud's Offensive Rookie of the Year successor, Jayden Daniels. And he couldn't be more excited.
"I'll tell you this, I damn sure can't wait to block for Jayden Daniels," Tunsil said Monday. "He's a baller. … It seems like he's a better dude. … I can't wait. He's gonna make my job hella easy."
Because of his standing as one of the best and highest-paid left tackles in the NFL, Tunsil being traded was a surprise. Houston had clear offensive line issues in 2024 that were so drastic, Stroud's performance suffered. Trading away his blindside protector -- and the best member of the starting five up front -- seemed counterintuitive.
Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowler, provided an explanation for the move Monday. The Texans wanted to dedicate their resources to younger players and were willing to sacrifice him in order to spend money elsewhere.
"Pretty much, they're just trying to keep the young guys together. It's as simple as that," Tunsil, 30, said. "When I was a rookie (in Miami) and I would talk to my O.G., who was Brandon Albert, and Jermon Bushrod and Mike Pouncey, they told me it's a young man's game. I've seen it for myself. They drafted some young guys, and they hit on every draft pick. They're trying to keep those guys together, so I fully understand.
"They just paid (cornerback Derek) Stingley today, they gave that boy that bag. So I truly 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 has experience with the business side of football. The Dolphins traded him to the Texans in 2019 in exchange for significant draft capital. Washington had to send multiple picks to Houston to get this deal done, too.
If anything, Tunsil sees it as a compliment and another great opportunity with a team that expects to contend immediately. Despite displaying an issue with penalties last season, Tunsil wasn't traded because of sloppy mistakes. He was acquired in order to improve a roster that reached the NFC Championship Game last season.
He's embracing his new world in Washington, even while it requires him to move and acclimate to new surroundings.
"I think I can make a huge impact quickly, honestly," Tunsil said. "In my opinion, they traded for me for that reason, to make a huge impact on the team. I'm down to do whatever they want me to do, especially in Year 10. If they need me to play quarterback and back up Jayden Daniels, then I can do that."
