Chris Paul - Commanders OL
Chris Paul was expected to draw interest in free agency after making the left guard spot his own. The Washington Commanders adopted a wait-and-see scenario with the offensive lineman, but no long-term offer arrived from elsewhere worth taking.
Paul opted to take another deal with the Commanders, albeit just for one season. He believes playing alongside Laremy Tunsil can help him build on a promising 2025 season. If he stacks good campaigns, there should be a lot more interest in his services next time around.
The Tulsa product has to win the job first. Washington has Paul embroiled in a battle with Brandon Coleman for the starting left guard spot, and even though he will be the favorite right now, the Commanders won't hesitate to shake things up if needed.
Overcoming adversity with a point to prove is nothing new for Paul. He fought to remain relevant as a seventh-round pick, and if he can improve his ability as a run blocker, he'll be a rich man somewhere.
K'Lavon Chaisson - Commanders OLB
Despite putting together an outstanding campaign with the New England Patriots, edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson's market wasn't as hot as expected. He got a longer-term offer from the New Orleans Saints, but the former LSU standout decided to bet on himself with the Commanders.
Chaisson is being paid well. His one-year, $11 million deal comes with $10.3 million in guaranteed money. More importantly for the player, this gives him the platform to earn a much bigger payday in Washington or elsewhere when the 2027 offseason arrives.
The Commanders will use Chaisson heavily as part of their much-improved group of pass-rushers. Odafe Oweh will lead the charge, but opportunities should be plentiful for others as well. It's a big opportunity for the 2020 first-round pick with momentum firmly on his side, and with 10.5 sacks last season (including playoffs), he's set himself up well for success.
Whether the Commanders will want to pay Chaisson with another strong campaign is debatable. But there will be plenty of others who will.
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Time flies in the NFL. It seems like only yesterday that quarterback Jayden Daniels joined the Commanders as the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. But after this season, he will become extension-eligible.
This will be the last thing on Daniels' mind, but it only adds to the weight around Year 3 for the LSU product.
Daniels had a rookie season for the ages. His sophomore campaign was blighted by several frustrating injuries, culminating in a dislocated elbow that ended it. The signal-caller is healthy now, and there is renewed belief that the dynamic dual-threat can remind the world just how special he is.
For the first time in his NFL journey, Daniels has doubters to silence. His durability is being called into question, and his inconsistent form is another concern. But if he can return to anything like his first-year playmaking and flawless poise, the Commanders would be wise to pay up at the earliest possible opportunity.
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