Making sure rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels could build on his stellar rookie season quickly became the top offseason priority for the Washington Commanders. And as any smart general manager would, Adam Peters turned his attention to strengthening the offensive line.
Peters took an aggressive approach. While most teams were chasing free agents as soon as the legal tampering period opened, Washington made a bold move by trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The team then added Oregon standout Josh Conerly Jr. with the 29th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—potentially solving their right tackle issues for good.
If Tunsil and Conerly can form a reliable, high-level tackle duo, it could transform the entire offense. Daniels often had to rely on his elite mobility and improvisation last season just to avoid constant pressure. With more consistent protection, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year will have the foundation he needs to take the next step into stardom.
Pro Football Focus analyst Andrew Ites shares this optimism. He identified Washington as a team poised for a major improvement along the offensive line in 2025, citing the additions of Tunsil and Conerly as key reasons.
“After an incredible rookie season from Jayden Daniels, the Commanders are hoping they’ve secured their bookend tackles for the foreseeable future with the trade for Laremy Tunsil and the first-round selection of Josh Conerly Jr.,” Ites noted. “While Tunsil struggled with penalties last season, he still brings much-needed stability. Conerly might project better as a guard in the pros, but he’s a strong athlete who posted a 78.1 PFF grade on true pass sets last year.”
The stakes are high. Washington didn’t part with major assets for Tunsil or use a first-round pick on Conerly just to be patient—they want results now as they enter a critical Super Bowl-contending window.
Tunsil brings proven excellence as a blindside protector and is expected to maintain that level of play in D.C. Conerly might go through some growing pains early, but his long-term upside is enormous.
If Washington’s interior line—whose personnel may still shift—can hold up their end, the Commanders could be in excellent shape. But if this group underperforms, the consequences could be significant.
