General manager Adam Peters has a lot of money to spend in free agency. The Washington Commanders have many holes to fill, and growing uncertainty at the interior of the offensive line further complicates matters.
And for one surging Commanders draft pick, his status with the club is looking increasingly precarious heading into the legal tampering window.
Chris Paul looked down and out once upon a time. He managed to stick around under Peters and Dan Quinn, but he was seldom used in 2024. Then, out of nowhere, things took a positive turn last season.
Commanders must have contingencies in place if Chris Paul leaves in free agency
When Nick Allegretti and Brandon Coleman struggled to provide any semblance of consistency at the guard spots early in the year, the Commanders took drastic action. Andrew Wylie filled in at right guard until Sam Cosmi came back from a torn ACL. Paul became the starting left guard in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, and he never gave up the position.
The Tulsa product was one of Washington's big surprises from an otherwise underwhelming campaign. Paul became one of the league's best pass-blocking interior protectors. While his efforts in running downs need considerable refinement, this represented a massive step in the right direction when all hope regarding his outlook was fading rapidly.
It just so happens that this also came at the perfect time for Paul. He's an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Though the Commanders will probably make an effort to keep him around, reports suggest that Peters is not going to overpay.
According to several league insiders, including Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Paul could generate more interest than fans expect when he tests the market. That is only going to drive up the price, and even though Peters has a surplus of salary-cap space to match any offer, he could easily turn his attentions elsewhere for a better alternative.
Washington's offensive line emerged as a bright spot amid the doom and gloom of 2025. Most thought the starting five would return, but center Tyler Biadasz's shocking release changed everything. If Paul also departs, that would leave two prominent holes for Peters to fill on the protection in front of star quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Fowler projected that Paul will be paid considerably on his next deal. His rookie deal in total cost the Commanders just $3.76 million. But after a road to redemption for the ages, few would begrudge the player this sort of payday.
Whether that's in Washington or elsewhere remains to be seen.