Some NFL analysts believed the Washington Commanders had put together something in the neighborhood of an average offensive line heading into the 2026 campaign, but that was before five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps, casting his entire season into jeopardy.
The resulting consequences saw Pro Football Focus drop the Commanders’ unit all the way to dead last in its rankings earlier this month.
“Before the injury to left tackle Laremy Tunsil, this was a group set to rank just inside the top 20, but the loss of Tunsil for a significant amount of time is a huge blow to the group,” Gordon McGuiness wrote August 12. “There will be an expectation of some improvement from Josh Conerly Jr., and his 59.9 PFF grade in 2025 was fine for a rookie, but this is a unit that could really struggle if Tunsil misses the full season.”
One potential mitigation of Tunsil’s injury remains for Washington in free agency, however, via the signing of former Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker.
Commanders Shouldn’t Have Much Competition for Taylor Decker’s Services
GettyOffensive tackle Taylor Decker, formerly of the Detroit Lions.
Decker started at LT in Detroit for 10 years, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2024.
The Lions released Decker this offseason at the offensive lineman’s request after he’d played out one season on his three-year, $60 million contract. Set to enter the 2026 campaign at 33 years old, Decker is hunting a new opportunity and the Commanders are positioned perfectly to provide that to him.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report on Friday, August 21 dubbed the Commanders one of the top two fits for Decker alongside the Chicago Bears.
“While Decker’s experience should be valued — he’s started all 140 games in which he has appeared — his age and recent performance should leave him open to a modest, incentive-laden deal,” Knox wrote. “Decker would be a sensible option for the Washington Commanders.”
Commanders Owe Jayden Daniels Better O-Line, but Should Have Some Leverage to Negotiate With Taylor Decker
GettyWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Spotrac projects Decker’s market value at $42.65 million over a new two-year deal, which would actually be a slight raise over his annual average salary on the contract he most recently signed in Detroit.
However, given that it is late August and Decker has no team yet, coupled with the fact that Chicago is unlikely to go in Decker’s direction with starting LT Ozzy Trapilo likely returning from a ruptured patellar tendon far quicker than initially expected, the Commanders should have some significant negotiating leverage.
Tunsil could return for the stretch run of the season, which takes the notion of an expensive two-year deal with a high guaranteed number for Decker off the table. But if he’s willing to sign a more modest one-year contract, Washington could certainly convince itself of the value in those circumstances.
Star quarterback Jayden Daniels played just seven games last season, and the Commanders are hoping to contend in 2026 after a 5-12 campaign last year. Contending in a tough NFC East Division will be difficult regardless, but especially so if Daniels is playing Year 3 behind a bad offensive line that can’t protect his blindside.
Commanders Top Fit to Replace Laremy Tunsil With $60 Million Pro Bowl LT