Houston Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil became one of the highest-paid NFL players when he signed a $66 million contract extension in 2020. Three years later, the three-time Pro Bowl selection wants to reset the market again.
Tunsil, the 13th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, joined the Texans in 2019 after the franchise traded two first-round picks and a second-round selection for the left tackle. Less than a year after landing in Houston, he used his leverage in negotiations to sign a three-year extension that included $50 million guaranteed.
- Laremy Tunsil contract: $18.5 million base salary (2023), 2024 free agent
While the Texans have struggled during that stretch, winning 11 combined games over the last three years, Tunsil earned two Pro Bowl selections. As Houston now seeks to find its franchise quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, Tunsil is making it clear he wants a new contract.
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The 28-year-old lineman is under contract in 2023, but his $35.21 million cap hit leaves a sizable hit on Houston’s cap sheet. With an extension offering the Texans an opportunity to lower the cap hit and ensure their next quarterback is protected, Tunsil has set a price for a deal.
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According to Aaron Wilson of Click 2 Houston, Tunsil wants to become the highest-paid tackle in NFL history. With that milestone set as his goal, Houston is likely looking at a contract extension averaging between $24 to $25 million per season.
The San Francisco 49ers made Trent Williams the highest-paid tackle in 2021, signing the future Hall of Famer to a six-year contract worth $138 million. Williams leads all offensive tackles in average salary ($23.01 million) and signing bonus ($30.1 million), figures Tunsil likely wants to surpass with his next contract.
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Given the Texans are still in the early stages of their rebuild, Tunsil’s asking price could push the front office to explore a trade. The 2023 NFL Draft class isn’t particularly strong at left tackle and Orlando Brown Jr. is the only high-end left tackle available in free agency this spring.
If the right offer comes along for Houston and a team is confident it can sign Tunsil to a multi-year extension, he could be one of the best NFL players traded this offseason.
