Chris Paul - Commanders OL
Chris Paul is a prime example of what perseverance can do. The interior offensive lineman has been on the fringes for almost the entirety of his professional journey. Even though he made the 53-man roster once again, most Washington Commanders fans thought he'd be let go with little fanfare attached once his rookie contract expired.
That is not the case anymore. The Commanders gave Paul a chance to start at left guard when Branndon Coleman underperformed over the first two games. The former Tulsa standout seized the moment, making the position his own.
There is still work to do on run blocking. However, Paul's accomplished pass protection has drawn significant praise, which could be the deciding factor in getting a new deal in Washington.
Continuity on the offensive line cannot be overstated. If the Commanders extend Paul, which seems likely if the money is right, all five starting linemen will be back in 2026.
Tress Way - Commanders P
There haven't been many constants throughout a turbulent decade for the Commanders, both on and off the field. Veteran punter Tress Way is one of the team's longest-serving players. More importantly, his performance levels when called upon show no signs of legitimate regression.
It's been a season to forget for Washington. That's not the case for Way, who's remained the model of consistency. His yards per punt average of 47.2 is his highest since 2021. His percentage of punts inside the 20-yard line has also increased to 44.0 this season. Couple this with the respect in which he is held in the locker room, and all signs point to the two-time Pro Bowl getting another deal from the Commanders this spring.
Way has been in Washington for 12 years. He'll be 36 years old next season, so the possibility of retirement couldn't be dismissed. If he decides to keep playing, the Commanders should have no trouble putting another contract on the table.
Jacob Martin - Commanders DE/OLB
Adam Peters has to find more explosive pieces capable of generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. The Commanders lost their two starting defensive ends — Deatrich Wise Jr. and Dorance Armstrong Jr. — to season-ending injuries, but the options overall have fallen way short of the mark.
There are a couple of positives. Von Miller's flashes as a pass-rusher at the tail-end of his career have been needed more than fans initially expected. The Commanders also needed more from Jacob Martin, and the veteran journeyman has arguably put together the best campaign of his professional career to date.
The Commanders have moved Martin around to exploit mismatches. He might not boast the size of a prototypical defensive end, but his relentless effort and burst off the snap give him a chance of sticking around once the campaign concludes.
Martin wouldn't be a starting-caliber option if the correct reinforcements arrive. However, he's more than capable of being part of the rotation.