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. Now, they have eight picks heading into the upcoming draft, including four picks in the top 70.
With the draft here, let’s revisit the Tunsil trade and see how it’s fared for both sides so far.
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 (No. 38 overall), 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 106 overall)
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.
The Commanders took wide receiver Jaylin Lane with the lone pick they got back in return in the Tunsil deal. He caught 16 passes for 225 yards despite playing in 15 games, starting four. He also chipped in 370 return yards on special teams.
The Houston 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.