Regardless of what you think of how the Washington Commanders handled the first day of the legal tampering period in NFL free agency, general manager Adam Peters walked away filling one of the franchise’s biggest needs. The Commanders shocked the NFL world Monday afternoon, acquiring five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft for third- and seventh-round picks in the upcoming draft and second and fourth-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels has a blindside protector who happens to be one of the best in the NFL. Brandon Coleman, Washington’s 2024 starter at left tackle, will shift to another position on the offensive line, whether left guard or right tackle. Regardless, one trade helped the Commanders improve two positions, as protecting Daniels is the team’s biggest priority.
Reactions to the Tunsil trade all favored Washington. Many couldn’t believe that the Texans, with a talented young quarterback to protect, would trade a left tackle that was still in the prime of his career. The Commanders have Tunsil on a reasonable contract for a left tackle for two more seasons. It’s likely the two sides will engage in extension talks.
As for the rest of the day, it was quiet. Washington did make a move shortly after the legal tampering period opened, signing former 49ers first-round Javon Kinlaw. After four years with San Francisco, Kinlaw signed with the New York Jets last offseason. Kinlaw’s signing comes one week after the Commanders released longtime defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
The Kinlaw signing wasn’t as well-received, and in some cases, it was mocked. Why would Washington pay Kinlaw an average annual contract of $15 million per season and $30 million guaranteed? Kinlaw’s stats and the advanced metrics don’t point to any one area in which he flourishes. He does have excellent size (6-foot-5, 319), and he’s young (27). The Commanders’ goals were to improve against the run and beef up the pass rush.
Does Kinlaw’s signing indicate that Washington will be any better in those two areas? Not necessarily, but it’s easy to look at social media and say this will not work. After last season, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn earned the benefit of the doubt. Now, if Kinlaw doesn’t work out, Peters deserves the criticism. But now is not the time. Let it play out.
As for not addressing other areas, such as cornerback, safety, wide receiver, and edge rusher, free agency isn’t over yet. Yes, some good players are signing elsewhere. And yes, Washington does have plenty of cap space, but Peters clearly didn’t see any players on Monday that he felt comfortable paying at the top of the free-agency market.
The Commanders will need to be active. They have fewer players signed to the 90-man roster than almost everyone and are currently slated to have only six picks in next month’s draft.
As for the first day of free agency, fans should be happy that Washington came away with one of the NFL’s best offensive tackles and didn’t desperately overpay for a free agent. Peters got creative and watched other teams, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, overpay for relatively unproven offensive line help.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders receive mixed reactions from Day 1 of free agency
