The Houston Texans and Laremy Tunsil have agreed to a contract extension. The deal is reported to be a 3-year deal worth $66 million. The deal also includes $50 million guaranteed and Tunsil earns $40 million at signing. This deal makes Tunsil the highest paid tackle in NFL history at $22 million a year, the second highest is Lane Johnson at $18 million a year. Laremy Tunsil negotiated the deal with Texans coach and general manager Bill O’Brien by himself. Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, meaning Tunsil gets all $66 million of his contract, very smart move.
Houston locks in their franchise tackle to protect Deshaun Watson’s blindside for the next 4 seasons. The Houston Texans completed a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins at the beginning of the 2019 season. The Texans gave up their 2020 first round pick, 2021 first round pick and 2021 second round pick. The Texans also received wide receiver Kenny Stills in the trade. The amount of picks they gave up for Tunsil gave him all the leverage he could possible have in this negotiation. There is no way the Texans would allow Tunsil to hit the open market after the fortune they paid to get him. Tunsil is a premier left tackle in the NFL, while the $22 million per year seems like a lot for an offensive linemen it was the only option the Texans had. Bill O’Brien has made some extremely questionable moves this off-season, like trading All-Pro receiver Deandre Hopkins. However, this is a necessary move. Keeping Deshaun Watson clean has to be their first priority so he doesn’t become the next Andrew Luck. This deal keeps Tunsil in Houston and protects Deshaun Watson’s blindside through the 2023 season.
