Why didn't Washington Commanders' guard Chris Paul land the big contract many anticipated? As free agency kicked off, buzz suggested Paul would secure one of those eye-popping deals. Yet, by Day 5, he opted to return to Washington on a one-year agreement.
Former Redskins tight end Logan Paulsen shared his thoughts: "I'm thrilled Chris is back. He's a great fit for the team's culture.
When Zion Johnson inked that massive deal with Cleveland, I thought Chris was next. But it seems teams wanted to see more consistency, leading to a 'prove it' year in terms of contract value.
That's likely why he's back with Washington."
Paul started the season as a backup but took over as a starter in Week 3 after the Commanders' offensive line struggled against Green Bay. He held the position for the rest of the regular season, taking over from Brandon Coleman, who had been moved to left guard after Laremy Tunsil's arrival.
Paulsen praised Paul's performance but noted room for growth: "He's a solid player with potential to improve in pass protection and run blocking. The new system under OC David Blough, which emphasizes guard play, should benefit him by improving angles and consistency, allowing him to play faster."
However, Paulsen also offered a note of caution on the "Take Command" podcast with Grant Paulsen: "I'm glad he's back, but I don't see him as the automatic starter. Expect competition between him and Brandon Coleman. We need strong players, and Chris fits that mold."
Drafted in the final round of 2022 at No. 230 overall from Tulsa, Paul wasn't a top prospect. In his first three seasons, he started eight games before breaking into the lineup in 2025. Notably, Paul has avoided holding penalties throughout his NFL career.
Laremy Tunsil expressed his relief at Paul's return: "I'm glad he stayed. It might sound selfish, but building on last season is crucial.
Chris and I have a great relationship on and off the field. He's a fantastic guy, which makes playing alongside him even better."