Washington Commanders guard Chris Paul picked the right time to have a breakout season. The fourth-year offensive lineman was a seventh-round pick of the Commanders in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Tulsa. After starting a total of eight games in his first three seasons, Paul replaced Brandon Coleman at left guard in Week 3 of the 2025 season and remained there all season.

Now, barring a last-minute extension, he’ll hit the free agency market next week. And it sounds like he’ll have a healthy market, according to Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Commanders offensive guard Chris Paul: He had 15 starts last season with a powerful style of play; starting guards with a pulse get paid.

Nick Allegretti started at left guard for the Commanders in 2024; however, Washington wanted more from the position and to find a starting spot for Coleman. A third-round pick out of TCU in the 2024 NFL Draft, Coleman played left tackle as a rookie. Coleman was solid at left tackle, but the Commanders chose to upgrade the position, acquiring five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

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Coleman moved to left guard and started the first two games, but struggled. Washington moved Paul into the starting lineup, and he was better. Over the course of the season, Paul wasn’t perfect, but mostly solid. Per Pro Football Focus, Paul earned a 49.8 overall grade in 2025, including a 78.2 grade as a pass blocker. However, Paul was less impressive in run blocking, earning a grade of 38.2.

Given Washington’s shift to more zone-blocking under new offensive coordinator David Blough, run blocking is even more important. Therefore, the Commanders could shift Coleman back inside. He’s more athletic than Paul. After his benching last season, Coleman returned to the lineup, serving as a third tight end in obvious running situations and in relief of Tunsil late in the season when he missed two games with an injury. Coleman played well, and the Commanders remain confident in him.

As for Paul, while Washington likes him, with so many other needs and money tied up in right guard Sam Cosmi, it sounds like GM Adam Peters will allow him to hit free agency and turn back to Coleman.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Free agent G Chris Paul could earn big payday