Washington’s Trade Decisions Continue to Haunt the Franchise
The Washington Commanders find themselves grappling with the repercussions of past decisions made by the previous leadership, even as new figures like Adam Peters and Dan Quinn work to reshape the franchise. While injuries have certainly played a significant role in the team’s struggles this season, it’s the lingering effects of a critical trade from 2020 that loom large over the organization.
The Trent Williams Trade Fallout
Under head coach Ron Rivera, Washington made a monumental decision ahead of the 2020 season by trading left tackle Trent Williams to the San Francisco 49ers. The trade stemmed from a deep-seated conflict between Williams and the franchise, which ultimately led to the star tackle sitting out the entire 2019 season after being placed on the non-football injury list.
The inability to mend this fractured relationship resulted in a trade that sent Williams to San Francisco in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2020 and a third-round pick in 2021. Washington utilized these selections to draft Keith Ismael and Benjamin St-Juste, but the trade’s long-term ramifications continue to plague the organization.
A New Era with Laremy Tunsil
With the arrival of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had an impressive inaugural season, the Commanders recognized the need to fortify their offensive line. They made a strategic move by acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. Since joining Washington, Tunsil has been a formidable presence on the field, starting all but one game and showcasing his prowess as a pass blocker.
His performance has been nothing short of exceptional; Pro Football Focus awarded him an impressive 88.9 pass-blocking grade, placing him second among NFL offensive tackles with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps. Yet, despite his stellar contributions, Tunsil was notably absent from this season’s Pro Bowl selections, a decision that has sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Trent Williams’ Continued Dominance
Meanwhile, Trent Williams has continued to thrive in San Francisco, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier offensive tackles. From 2021 to 2023, he earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and three straight All-Pro honors, proving his worth on the field. His absence from the Pro Bowl in 2024, primarily due to missing seven games, marked the end of over a decade of consistent selections. Nonetheless, Williams’ impact on the 49ers’ offensive line has been profound, reinforcing their position as a top-tier unit in the league.
As fans reflect on the trade that sent Williams packing, the sentiment is clear: Washington let go of a franchise cornerstone for what feels like a paltry return. The fallout from this decision serves as a stark reminder of the challenges the Commanders face as they endeavor to rebuild and reclaim their competitive edge.
