Houston Texans Trade for Laremy Tunsil
When a franchise discovers they have a franchise quarterback, it’s crucial they do what it takes to keep them from taking a beating in the pocket. It’s especially important to do what it takes to get that done when they already are taking a beating, as in the case of the Houston Texans and Deshaun Watson.
That’s precisely what the Texans aimed to accomplish by sending two first-round picks (2020 & 2021), Johnson Bademosi, and Julien Davenport to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Still, a 2020 fourth-round pick, and a 2021 sixth-round pick.
The overall impact Tunsil has provided the Texans has certainly been felt and played a key role in winning the AFC South in 2019. The main question for Houston has to do with whether they are in a legitimate window to contend and if not, how can they get there?
The Texans have since agreed to a three-year, $66 million contract with Tunsil, which made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. The next highest earning player at his position is Lane Johnson who earns $18 million annually on his contract.
Paying such a significant price for Tunsil while also giving up a pair of first round picks when Super Bowl contention appears highly unlikely appears to make this the wrong move. Without DeAndre Hopkins, Houston may not win the AFC South in 2019.
