The Houston Texans have reportedly started discussing a contract extension with tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is heading into the final year of his rookie deal.
Josina Anderson of ESPN noted the two sides have shared "preliminary proposals" regarding a new multiyear deal.
The Texans traded two first-round picks for Tunsil last offseason, and he responded with a good-but-not-great 2019. Tunsil was called for 18 penalties and gave up three sacks, good for a 75.8 grade by Pro Football Focus.
The Texans are in a no-win situation here from a leverage perspective. Giving up two firsts for Tunsil essentially allows him to throw a number at Houston and dare the team to match it. While he undoubtedly wants a long-term deal that secures him tens of millions in guarantees, the Texans also cannot afford to let him walk a year from now.
Texans coach Bill O'Brien, to a certain extent, also has to worry about further alienating a fanbase that's seemingly on the edge of a revolt. O'Brien's decision-making since taking over final say on roster decisions has been questionable at best. He's traded away Jadeveon Clowney and DeAndre Hopkins in consecutive offseasons without returning a single first-round pick.
Tunsil plays a valuable position at left tackle, but O'Brien's trade for him was even an overpay.
A 2019 Pro Bowl berth does not overshadow the fact that Tunsil is a good player who doesn't scratch the surface of elite. Given what the Texans gave up for him, though, don't be surprised if Tunsil asks for franchise tackle money in negotiations.
In 2019, Tunsil was named to his first Pro Bowl, the first Texans offensive lineman to receive the honor since left tackle Duane Brown in 2014.
On Monday, Tunsil reported that he would be committing up to $250,000 toward COVID-19 relief, including donations to the Florida Gateway Food Bank in his hometown of Lake City and the Star of Hope Mission in Houston.
