The Washington Commanders have wasted no time making waves in the NFL’s 2026 offseason, locking down their franchise left tackle and retooling their roster in a bid to rebound from last year’s disappointing 5-12 campaign. In a move that sent shockwaves through the league, the Commanders agreed to a two-year, $60.2 million extension with Laremy Tunsil on March 9, 2026, making him the first offensive lineman in NFL history to average $30 million per year. The deal, which includes a record-setting $32.5 million signing bonus and $61.5 million in guarantees, ensures that Tunsil will anchor Washington’s offensive line through the 2028 season.
Tunsil’s new contract not only shatters previous records for offensive linemen but also signals a clear message from Washington’s front office: protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels is the top priority. Daniels, who was sidelined for 10 games last season due to injury and struggled with accuracy in his seven starts, now has the league’s premier blindside protector locked in for years to come. General manager Adam Peters, who described Tunsil as “one of the best—if not the best—tackles in the NFL,” made it clear that re-signing Tunsil was at the top of his offseason to-do list. “In terms of the evaluation I think and his impact on our team, I thought (he) was really outstanding both on the field and in the locker room,” Peters said in January. “He’s an outstanding leader. He is an outstanding mentor to the other offensive lineman. He’s a really good teammate and in a lot of ways you don’t really see it because he is not looking for attention.”
The Commanders paid a hefty price to acquire Tunsil last offseason, sending Houston a third- and seventh-round pick in 2025 and a second- and fourth-round pick in 2026. Yet the investment has paid off handsomely. Tunsil, who turns 32 on August 2, 2026, started 14 games last year, allowing just two sacks and 15 quarterback pressures according to Pro Football Focus. His run blocking was equally impressive, and his leadership off the field has been invaluable. Tunsil took rookies Josh Conerly Jr. and Brandon Coleman under his wing, inviting them to Auburn for offseason training and setting a tone of mentorship and professionalism.
Washington’s commitment to fortifying the offensive line didn’t stop with Tunsil. The team also re-signed versatile linemen Nick Allegretti and Andrew Wylie. Allegretti, who has experience at center and both guard spots, expressed his eagerness to compete for a starting role. “I know that I can play center, right guard, left guard—whatever it is, I want to compete for a spot,” Allegretti told reporters in a video call. “Depending on what they do, if that center job is something I can compete for, that’s something that I want to do.” With Allegretti potentially moving to center, Wylie or Brandon Coleman at left guard, Sam Cosmi at right guard, and 2025 first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. at right tackle, the Commanders appear poised to field one of the most formidable offensive lines in the league.
But the Commanders’ aggressive approach extended beyond the offensive trenches. In an effort to address last season’s league-worst defense, Washington agreed to terms with several key free agents. Edge rusher Odafe Oweh, who thrived with the Los Angeles Chargers after a midseason trade from Baltimore, inked a four-year, $100 million contract with $68 million guaranteed. Oweh, 27, recorded 7.5 sacks in just 12 games with the Chargers last season, following a 10-sack campaign with the Ravens in 2024. Defensive tackle Tim Settle, a familiar face drafted by Washington in 2018, returns to the team on a three-year, $23 million deal after stints with Buffalo and Houston.
In the secondary, the Commanders agreed to sign cornerback Amik Robertson to a two-year contract. Robertson, who turns 28 on July 6, 2026, spent the past two seasons with the Detroit Lions and is expected to replace Marshon Lattimore, released on March 6, 2026. Robertson’s arrival is part of an organizational overhaul that has seen significant changes on both sides of the ball. The Commanders also re-signed backup quarterback Marcus Mariota to a one-year, $7 million deal that could be worth up to $11 million with incentives. Mariota, now 32, served as a mentor to Daniels last season and started eight games while Daniels was sidelined.
The Commanders’ leadership team has undergone a shake-up as well. Head coach Dan Quinn, just 14 months removed from guiding the team to an improbable NFC championship game appearance, now has two new coordinators. David Blough, promoted from assistant quarterbacks coach, will run the offense, while Daronte Jones, hired from Minnesota, takes over the defense. These changes reflect a renewed sense of urgency within the organization as Washington looks to rebound from last year’s struggles and recapture the magic of their recent playoff run.
For Tunsil, the new deal cements his status as a cornerstone of the franchise. The five-time Pro Bowler, originally drafted 13th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2016 before being traded to Houston in 2019, has consistently ranked among the league’s elite at his position. His ability to neutralize opposing pass rushers and pave the way for the ground game has made him indispensable. The Commanders’ willingness to break the bank for Tunsil underscores just how much they value his presence, both for his on-field production and his impact in the locker room.
The Commanders’ front office hopes that these high-profile moves will stabilize a roster that’s seen its share of turbulence. Last offseason, wide receiver Terry McLaurin missed all of training camp and the preseason amid a contract dispute, a situation the team was eager to avoid with Tunsil. By acting decisively, Washington has ensured continuity and leadership up front, giving Daniels every opportunity to develop in his crucial third season.
As the NFL’s new league year opens, anticipation is building in the nation’s capital. With Tunsil and a revamped supporting cast, the Commanders are signaling their intent to compete at the highest level. Whether these bold moves will translate into wins remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Washington isn’t content to stand pat. The franchise has bet big on its core, and fans will be watching closely as the 2026 season unfolds.
With Laremy Tunsil locked in, new defensive reinforcements on the way, and a retooled coaching staff, the Commanders are setting the stage for a dramatic turnaround. The pieces are in place, and the countdown to kickoff has never felt more electric in Washington.