Texans Reportedly Made Monster Offer to Laremy Tunsil so Houston Fans Can Relax for a Moment
By Scott Rogust
The Houston Texans made the baffling move to trade star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for pennies on the dollar this offseason, sending fans into conniptions. As it turns out, however, head coach and de facto general manager Bill O'Brien had an ulterior motive in all this -- locking in left tackle Laremy Tunsil on a long-term contract. Texans partisans who had a lack of optimism that a deal could get done now have a right to relax. A deal sounds increasingly likely, and it's going to be huge.
According to insider Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans made an initial offer to Tunsil that would pay him $18.5 million annually, enough to make him the highest-paid offensive tackle in football.
Texans' initial offer of $18.5 million average per year, per league sources, to Laremy Tunsil would make him the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL above Lane Johnson $18M avg. He looks to reset tackle market significantly higher. No deal is imminent, but going well so far
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 2, 2020
Even though the initial offer would make him the highest-paid tackle in the league by average annual pay, Tunsil reportedly wants to surpass Lane Johnson's Philadelphia Eagles deal not just slightly, but significantly. In fact, the latest indications are that Tunsil could be gunning for a yearly number upwards of $20 million.
The Texans had long been in need of offensive line help, as quarterback Deshaun Watson was attacked by defenses prominently on a week-in, week-out basis. So, O'Brien opted to make the deal that brought Tunsil to H-Town while giving the Miami Dolphins a multitude of draft picks (2020 first-round selection, 2021 first-and-second rounders). Now, it's time to finish the job and give him the bag.
Laremy Tunsil on NFL LIVE regarding a possible extension: “I’m not going to talk numbers, as I’m going to keep that between me and the club. I am looking to be the highest-paid lineman, of course. I worked my butt off to be in that position and hopefully we can make that happen.”
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 2, 2020
While hampered by numerous penalties in his first year, Tunsil proved to be the blindside protector that Watson needs to succeed. Considering Tunsil's still only 25 years old, he's a long way from regressing, which means he's well worth the riches almost certainly heading his way.
Even if Tunsil wants drive up his price, he holds all the leverage considering the Texans surrendered so much draft capital to secure his services. You can relax, Texans fans. A deal is going to happen; you don't need to put this much stress on yourselves in times such as these.