Chris Paul
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Washington Commanders offensive lineman Chris Paul.
There’s something to be said for just running it back with your boys — regardless of how much money you get paid.
Washington Commanders offensive lineman Chris Paul is running it back for another year in D.C. after the stealthily popular free agent decided he wanted another year playing for Dan Quinn and alongside his offensive line mates.
“Sources: TheCommanders have re-signed OG Chris Paul to a 1-yr deal,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote. “After exploring many options, he wanted to run it back playing next to Laremy Tunsil and help get the Commanders back to the playoffs.”
Paul, 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds, has only ever played for the Commanders since they selected him out of Tulsa in the 7th round (No. 230 overall) of the 2022 NFL draft.
In 2025, Paul had a couple of career breakthroughs. He played in all 17 regular-season games for the 1st time, and after making 8 starts combined in his first 3 seasons, he started a career-high 15 games.
“Chris Paul is returning to Washington on a one-year deal after a breakout contract year performance,” Hogs Haven’s Christian Paolantonio wrote on his official X account. “At this point of FA, this move clearly made the most sense for both sides. TheCommanders 2026 offense is beginning to solidify.”
ESPN Called Chris Paul ‘Top Sleeper Free Agent’
In the weeks leading up to the start of the 2026 free agency cycle, ESPN put Paul on its list of the top “Sleeper Free Agent” options in the NFL.
From ESPN: “(Paul) had 15 starts last season with a powerful style of play; starting guards with a pulse get paid.”
Paul’s market projection had him landing a 2-year, $9.3 million contract, which means the Commanders likely got a great deal. It also gives Paul the chance to have a “prove it” year that lands the 27-year-old at least 1 massive payday.
Through his first 4 seasons, Paul has approximately $5.3 million in career earnings.
Draft Stock Dropped by Playing Out of Position
Paul, a Houston native, is an unusually talented athlete for someone at his position and his size. After playing college football for Tulsa, he ran the 40-yard dash in a (relatively) blazing 4.89 seconds at the NFL scouting combine.
The Commanders may have also gotten a steal with Paul in the 7th round because he was playing out of position — he was an offensive tackle in college but has been a guard in the NFL.
While Paul has been elite in pass blocking — his 78.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus put him 5th out of 81 eligible guards — his run blocking leaves a lot to be desired. PFF gave Paul a 38.2 overall grade, putting him 78th out of 81 guards.
“Paul has a guard body but played out of position at tackle over the last two seasons,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in 2022. “There are limited downhill run reps over his last two years at tackle and his guard tape from 2019 is still a little raw, making his guard projection a tad murky. He’s highly intelligent on and off the field. Picking up technique and scheme will not be a problem for him. However, picking up twists and slants might be an issue due to a lack of foot quickness and reactive agility. Paul has the size, strength, football character and toughness to play NFL guard but the limitations could make it a short stay in the league.”