The Washington Commanders locked down the left side of the offensive line after re-signing Chris Paul as he opens up on returning to the organization.
In the end, a return back to Ashburn was the preference that materialized for Chris Paul this offseason.
With a chance to hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career, the former seventh round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft opted to return to the Washington Commanders on a one year deal.
The re-signing also solidifies the left side of the offensive line for Washington in 2027 after also agreeing to a two year extension with left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil joked that seeing Paul return to Washington was his preference, even if it was a selfish one as he called it. But big picture, the re-signing brings Paul back to the organization that helped his NFL career blossom.
"A very, very interesting experience. It was all the emotions, a lot of fun, a lot of nerves, but all in all, it was cool to experience it for the first time, and I'm so grateful to be back home," Paul told local media.
Paul became a depth piece for his first three seasons with the organization, but he became a bigger factor in year two after battling Saahdiq Charles for the starting left guard position. But Charles would be sidelined midway through the 2023 season, vaulting Paul into the starting lineup where he appeared in ten games and started in seven. Paul then made six appearances in 2024 before stepping into the full time starter in 2025 as he replaced Brandon Coleman as the starting left guard beginning in week three.
His play in 2025 set the stage for strong interest to be expected once the legal tampering window officially opened on March 9, but the expectation was also that Paul was unlikely to return with other teams expected to offer more money. While Paul declined to say whether he did end up receiving offers from other teams, returning as an 'inaugural Commander' meant something to him.
"It was kind of cool to be in the draft class that was here when we sort of rebranded. And so this organization just has a lot of sentimental value to me. So as many offers that may have been received from other teams, I knew that in any event, I would be leaning towards being a Commander."
While part of the change that Paul will experience is the change at offensive coordinator with David Blough replacing Kliff Kingbury in 2026, the promotion of Darnell Stapleton continues to draw rave reviews with Paul noting "I don't know if there someone out there more deserving."
"I just know that our room is absolutely just gonna rally and galvanize around him. And he just brings a an energy, a passion and confidence to the game that I know that we're all excited to be a part of and buy into, and he's going to do a great job."