Training camp might be now or never for this Commanders' depth chart regular

Second-year general manager Adam Peters knew what he had to do this offseason. The Washington Commanders finally got a franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels after years of failed moves. Protecting him at all costs was crucial moving forward.

Peters recognized this and acted with aggression to achieve this objective. The Commanders allocated some significant assets to the offensive trenches, trading for Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and taking Oregon standout Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. This represented a major statement of intent, something that should propel the protection to even greater heights in the coming years.

These additions involved some reshuffling for others, and those looking for backup roles got pushed further down the pecking order. For one depth chart regular, this summer's training camp could be now or never in pursuit of retaining his status.

Chris Paul faces a severe fight to retain his Commanders' roster status

Chris Paul has done well to make it this far. He stuck around under the new regime as a seventh-round pick while most draft selections from Ron Rivera's disastrous tenure were cast aside. The interior lineman made the squad in 2024 but was seldom seen. Now, the stakes have been raised considerably in the final year of his deal.

It would be a miraculous turnaround if Paul imposed himself from here. The Commanders have improved depth, and he wasn't an Adam Peters or Dan Quinn guy. He survived the initial cull, but the former Tulsa star might not be so lucky this time unless he leaves absolutely no doubt.

The Commanders will give Paul (and everyone else) a chance to stake a legitimate claim over training camp and the preseason. Having scheme familiarity will help, but the same can be said of almost everyone else vying for a roster spot. Getting reps with the first team seems unlikely, so standing out in a crowded room with the second or third-string unit is paramount.

Paul isn't a rookie looking to make his way. He's entering his fourth season with no financial security after the current campaign. That should bring about the urgency needed to perform well, but the size of the challenge awaiting him cannot be overstated.

Washington isn't running a charity anymore. Unless Paul proves his worth as a dependable backup, his predicament is only going to end one way.

And it won't be good.

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