The Houston Texans surprised many last offseason when they traded star left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders for a haul of draft picks.
Tunsil wanted (and eventually got) a new contract that made him the highest-paid tackle in the NFL, which the Texans didn’t feel was realistic with their budget, but the move was still a major one considering the state of Houston’s offensive line.
Houston got two selections in the 2025 NFL Draft and two in the 2026 NFL Draft in return for Tunsil and a fourth-round
pick. Let’s revisit the Tunsil trade and see how it’s fared for both sides so far.
Original terms of the Laremy Tunsil trade
- Washington Commanders receive: LT Laremy Tunsil, 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 128)
- Houston Texans receive: 2025 third-round pick (No. 79 overall), 2025 seventh-round pick (No. 236 overall), 2026 second-round pick (Eventually No. 38 overall), 2026 fourth-round pick (Eventually No. 106 overall)
Who did the Houston Texans take with the picks from the Laremy Tunsil trade?
In 2025, the Texans took wide receiver Jaylin Noel at No. 79.
The No. 236 pick was used in a move, though, as Houston traded back in the third round with the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire an extra fifth-round pick. Houston sent Nos. 89 and 236 to Jacksonville for Nos. 102 and 142. Houston then sent those two picks to the Detroit Lions in exchange for the No. 97 and the No. 187 picks. With the No. 97 pick, they selected cornerback Jaylin Smith. With the No. 187 pick, they took safety Jaylen Reed.
We will update the 2026 picks when they are made. They are No. 38 and No. 106 overall.
How did Jaylin Noel perform for the Texans in 2025?
That third-round pick provided an immediate return for the Texans. Jaylin Noel played all 17 games, catching 26 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns. He chipped in 31 punt returns and 29 kick returns for a combined 1134 yards.
Who did the Commanders take with the picks they got back with Laremy Tunsil?
The Commanders took wide receiver Jaylin Lane with the lone pick they got back in return in the Tunsil deal.
Lane started four games, playing in 15 total, and caught 16 passes for 225 yards. He added 26 special teams returns for 370 yards.
How did Laremy Tunsil fare for the Commanders in 2025?
Tunsil played in 14 games for the Commanders, allowing only 15 pressures and two sacks, but he did have eight penalties last season while not making the Pro Bowl for the first time in four years.
He was probably Washington’s best offensive player last season, though, being one of the lone bright spots in a rough year for the Commanders. Not only was he good in pass protection, but he was also one of the most consistent run blockers in the NFL last season, while being fairly durable.
Now, Washington will hope for better health offensively all-around, as they look to make the playoffs back in 2026.
