Andrew Luck's sudden retirement last month sent shockwaves throughout the NFL, and its impact is still being felt.
In one of the biggest moves in the league since Luck's retirement, the Texans pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Dolphins last week involving multiple picks and players. Houston acquired offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, wide receiver Kenny Stills and two picks in exchange for cornerback Johnson Bademosi, offensive tackle Julie'n Davenport and a barrage of high draft picks.
In the context of Luck's retirement, some are questioning whether the Texans paid the heavy price to pick up Tunsil to protect quarterback Deshaun Watson from injuries and, potentially, a premature retirement. Watson missed nine games during his rookie year in 2017 after suffering a torn ACL.
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Houston coach Bill O'Brien denied the theory Monday and was quick to explain how Tunsil's skill set can help the Texans.
"I think he's smart, tough, dependable. I think he's athletic," O'Brien said, via Pro Football Talk. "I think he's a guy that we scouted when he was coming out of college."
Tunsil was taken 13th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by Miami. He has started in each of his 44 game appearances with the Dolphins over the past three years.
"We feel really good about being able to get a proven left tackle to protect Deshaun Watson. Laremy Tunsil is an excellent player," O'Brien said, via ESPN.
Even if the acquisition wasn't a reactionary move to Luck's retirement, Tunsil should help shore up a shaky Texans offensive line. Watson was sacked a league-high 62 times last season.