The Houston Texans traded significant assets to acquire Laremy Tunsil from the Miami Dolphins in 2019, and they are at a crossroads once more at left tackle.
With a change of the guard on their coaching staff and in the midst of a total rebuild, it would make sense that the Texans would at least hear offers for one of their most valuable players.
Enter the Kansas City Chiefs, who could look to add one of the league’s most accomplished linemen should their negotiations with Orlando Brown fall through. They have a clear need to keep reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes upright as they look to defend their Super Bowl in 2023. and could be willing to pay a steep price to ensure their offensive line doesn’t take a step back next season.
There would likely need to be some creative financial problem-solving involved to make a hypothetical trade happen, given Tunsil’s massive $35.2 million cap hit, but assuming Kansas City is willing to play ball, a deal would come down to compensation.
The Chiefs could look to part with one of their receivers, namely Mecole Hardman, in order to keep from moving too many draft picks in a year where Kansas City is set to host the annual selection meeting. However, any agreement would likely involve multiple choices in the first three rounds, and potentially their first-round pick in 2024.
All in all, this trade for Tunsil may ultimately make more sense for Houston than it would for Kansas City. Both teams could benefit, though, so don’t count out this ace-up-the-sleeve move that could shake up two AFC offenses just ahead of free agency.
