Laremy Tunsil says goodbye after Texans traded him to Commanders: ‘City will always hold a special place in my heart’

HOUSTON – When the Texans traded for Laremy Tunsil six years ago, it was a life-changing moment for the Miami Dolphins’ former first-round draft pick.

From an NFL perspective, South Florida was all he knew.

And, during his tenure in Houston, he became a five-time Pro Bowl selection and, twice, the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL on deals of three-years, $66 million with $57.85 million guaranteed and three years, $75 million and was named one of the league’s top 100 players. The Texans won three AFC South division titles with Tunsil at left tackle.

Off the field, Tunsil got heavily involved in the community with philanthropic efforts that concentrated on assisting and inspiring single moms, a cause that was close to his heart because of how he was raised by a single mother.

Now, Tunsil’s time in Houston has come to an end. He was traded to the Washington Commanders this week along with a 2025 fourth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, 2025 seventh-round pick, 2026 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round selection. per a source.

Days later, after being traded largely for financial and draft capital reasons, Tunsil broke his silence on the trade with a lengthy statement where he thanked the city of Houston. Notably, he didn’t reference the Texans or the trade or the Commanders. Instead, the former Texans team captain focused on emotions and his personal growth.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but from the moment I arrived, this city embraced me and my family with open arms,” Tunsil wrote on social media. “Houston became more than just a place I played football it became home. Over the years, I’ve grown not just as a player, but as a man, and this city will always hold a special place in my heart. Being part of this community has been an honor.

“From working with the Urban Enrichment Institute to supporting the Gracewood Foundation for single mothers, Second Servings Houston, etc., I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the strength, resilience, and generosity that make this city so special. Thank you for allowing me to contribute to something greater than the game and for giving me the opportunity to give back to the place that has given me so much. Houston, you welcomed me as one of your own, and for that, I will always be grateful. With love, LT.”

The Tunsil trade surprised and disappointed some Texans players. Tunsil is well-respected in the locker room, but it’s always understood in the NFL that business is business. Now, he’s the blindside protector for Commanders star quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The Texans knew that Tunsil wanted another top-of-the-market contract and they didn’t want to make another hefty investment at left tackle at this time, per league sources. Plus, the Texans were disappointed overall in the offensive line’s performance as quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked 52 times. That obviously wasn’t all on Tunsil, but he was penalized an NFL-high 19 penalties called with 17 accepted last season with a dozen false starts.

The team ultimately felt it’s in their best interests and his to part ways at this time, per sources. Future financial planning is a definite factor, too. Derek Stingley Jr., could become the NFL’s highest paid corner this year. Next year: quarterback C.J .Stroud, and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. become eligible for contract extensions

Tunsil allowed just 2 1/2 sacks last season, per Next Gen Stats.

The Texans want to get younger and less expensive on offensive line. He had a team-high $20.9 million base salary and $28.5 million salary-cap figure. The deal leaves a void at left tackle, the blindside protector position for Stroud. It creates $13.85 million in immediately salary cap savings. In terms of cash, the Texans take $42.7 million off the books in 2025 and 2026 combined.

The Texans do have options within the roster at left tackle and their first current option they’re expected to explore is having Tytus Howard play left tackle, his natural position at Alabama State, and play Blake Fisher at right tackle, per league sources.

The last time Howard played left tackle was in 2021 when he started four games and allowed just one sack and two pressures for an impressive 99.0 pass blocking grade. As the Texans’ right tackle to close out the season as a rookie, Fisher allowed six sacks and 18 pressures in six starts. In a playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Fisher gave up three sacks and seven pressures.

Among the left tackle options still available in free agency Cam Robinson, Jedrick Wills, Joseph Noteboom, Trent Brown and Tyron Smith.

At a lean 6-foot-5, 313 pounds, Tunsil possesses a rare combination of athleticism, strength, power, explosiveness, technique and discipline. Unlike some hefty 300-pound blockers, Tunsil has a build more in line with a sleek defensive end.

The primary drawback with Tunsil has been a tendency to commit penalties, especially false starts. He made a full recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery last offseason.

“Laremy is one of the best tackles in the league,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said last season. “Having him back out here working with us, he’s done a phenomenal job. He’s been a top tackle throughout his entire career, so anytime you get a guy like that of his caliber back, it helps our entire team.”

Tunsil impressively shut out Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, a Pro Bowl selection, former top overall pick and consensus All-American from Texas A&M regarded as one of the top defensive players in the NFL. Tunsil, entering a playoff matchup two seasons ago, had allowed just one pressure in 40 matchups with Garrett since 2018, according to NextGen Stats, for a 2.5 percent pressure rate that represents Garrett’s worst against any offensive tackle in a playoff victory.

“I think his athletic ability is elite,” former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger said in a telephone interview with KPRC 2. “It’s just the consistency. Laremy is really good at tying his guy up and not allowing penetration in the backfield. He maintains his mentality. He has composure. He dealt with years of losing. Some guy can’t handle it. Laremy did.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.