After a season where left tackle Laremy Tunsil was one of the best in football, allowing only one sack in 17 games, the Houston Texans opted to pay him like it.
The Texans and Tunsil worked out a three-year, $75 million extension with $60 million guaranteed and a yearly salary average that ensures he is the highest paid at his position.
Since his trade to the team from the Miami Dolphins in 2019, Tunsil has been a staple of Houston’s offensive line. Despite the team’s overall lack of success in 2022, he turned in his best performance to date while the Texans limped their way to three wins in 17 games. There was no doubt that he was the best player on the roster and the team had discussed him and his contract status as a priority entering the off-season.
The Laremy Tunsil signing is a big deal for the team.
His continued presence on the team will be a huge asset for their rookie quarterback. His salary at a controlled number is important for team building around the rookie coach.
Houston has a Top 2 player at a Top 5 position.
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) March 19, 2023
There were minor trade rumors during the past week, with the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs allegedly calling to check on Tunsil’s availability. However, it would appear Houston had no issue doubling down in their commitment to him and it appears to be one of the easiest decisions of general manager Nick Caserio’s tenure with the team.
On a pure football level, the Texans will be better in both 2023 and beyond with Tunsil on the roster. He’s an elite tackle and one that consistently shut down elite pass rushers last season. His commitment to the team and high-level play at a premier position is a logical building block for coach DeMeco Ryans.
Granularly, Tunsil will be responsible for protecting Houston’s incoming rookie quarterback for the next several seasons. It will certainly aid the development of either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud to have that level of play protecting their blindside. In the run game, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has a high-level player that has shown an ability to excel in that area when motivated. The tackle duo between Tunsil and right tackle Tytus Howard has an argument for one of the best in the entire league.
That feels really good for an overall poor Houston roster.
Beyond the overall picture, the deal is an immediate win for Tunsil himself. He becomes the highest paid left tackle in NFL history, for the second time in a row,…
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