The Houston Texans paid Laremy Tunsil to ensure he has become the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history ahead of likely drafting a quarterback next month.
Houston have signed Tunsil - who joined the Texans via trade in 2019 from the Miami Dolphins - to a three-year extension worth $75million that includes $50m in fully guaranteed money. The deal is reportedly worth up to $60m in total guarantees.
The deal makes Tunsil the highest-paid tackle in league history once again after he set the market for offensive lineman back in 2020 with the Texans. According to Ian Rapoport, the three-time Pro Bowler represented himself in the negotiations en route to resetting the market for his position once more.
During free agency, Tunsil was linked with a trade away but it became clear the Texans wanted to maintain the 28-year-old by agreeing to his financial demands. The move comes on the same day the franchise decided to send receiver Brandin Cooks to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2023 third-round selection as well as a 2024 sixth-round pick.
Last season, Tunsil told reporters he wanted to return to the top of the tackle market following arguably his best season to date as he played all 17 games and was named to a third Pro Bowl. His contract ensures he surpasses San Francisco 49ers tackle Trent Williams on a six-year deal worth $138.06m which includes $55.1m fully guaranteed.
Tunsil's production in 2022 was also considered among the best in the league, spearheading an offensive line that only allowed 38 sacks - the 14th fewest in the NFL. He ranked 17th among offensive tackles with only one sack and 17 pressures allowed when he was on the field.
Following a blockbuster deal for their star offensive lineman, Houston is now expected to select a rookie quarterback with the second overall pick in next month’s NFL Draft. The franchise will follow the Carolina Panthers, who will undoubtedly pick their future quarterback in Bryce Young, CJ Stroud or Anthony Richardson.
If the team are going to have a new face and leader, whoever is selected will need elite protection. Tunsil provides that - and he is tied down for the foreseeable future as rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans hopes to turn the struggling Texans franchise around.
