Let’s Set Odds: Which Team Could Trade for Laremy Tunsil This Offseason?
By Matt De Saro
I think it is safe to say that the writing has been on the wall for a while now that the Houston Texans are ready to move on from left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Tunsil tore a ligament in his thumb early in the season and, despite the timetable for a return around four weeks, he never stepped foot back onto the field.
The 27-year-old Tunsil is one of the highest-paid linemen in the league after signing a $66 million extension, with $57.65 of that total guaranteed with Houston.
After all the drama from last year, specifically Deshaun Watson, the Texans are probably going into a rebuilding year and Tunsil could potentially bring a lot of draft picks in return if the team trades him. There are a number of teams that could be destinations for Tunsil and we have listed a few below with some hypothetical odds on his chances of landing there.
Odds for Laremy Tunsil’s next team
- Cincinnati Bengals +200
- Carolina Panthers +350
- New York Giants +500
Cincinnati Bengals +200
The Bengals don’t have the best draft picks to use as trade pieces for Tunsil, but they are the only team so far that has shown any sort of interest as of yet.
Well, at least Tunsil is getting interest from the Bengals' players to jump ship to Cincy. Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton played with Tunsil at Ole Miss and it appears he is trying to get him to join the reigning AFC champions. He tweeted at Tunsil yesterday that “we need to talk.” Tunsil replied with “bet!” While this is far from anything official, it is more than we have from any other team as of right now.
Despite going to the playoffs, the Bengals need a lot of help to improve their offensive line and protect Joe Burrow. An improved line would also allow for more time to find Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Tunsil is considered one of the best pass blocking tackles in the NFL and would be a major upgrade for the Bengals. The Bengals certainly have the cap to get it done.
Carolina Panthers +350
Based on the way the draft order is currently, team rosters, and team needs, the Panthers might be the most likely landing spot for Tunsil. Especially if the Texans are hoping to get back some quality draft picks considering the Bengals don’t even have a first-round pick this year. GM Scott Fitterer has also made it clear that he wants to improve the team’s offensive line.
This and finding a quarterback are their main priorities moving forward. With the No. 5 pick in the draft, the Panthers have the leverage to make this deal happen.
New York Giants +500
The Giants are in the same boat as the Panthers. They need a much better O-line and probably an upgrade at QB. No quality passer will want to play for a team with such a garbage line so the Giants will want to handle that first.
The Giants also have the sixth pick in the NFL draft to barter with along with everything else. New York might want this a little bit more after giving up a chance to draft Tunsil back in 2016 but instead drafted the now-infamous Eli Apple.