Browns Reportedly in 'Hot Pursuit' of Projected $21M Star Offensive Lineman

Cleveland looking to overhaul offensive line with potential big-money signing of Washington's Chris Paul

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly in hot pursuit of free agent guard Chris Paul from the Washington Commanders. Paul is projected to land a 3-year, $21 million contract in free agency after emerging as a full-time starter for the first time last season. The Browns are looking to completely overhaul their offensive line this offseason after all five of their starters from 2025 are set to hit free agency.

Why it matters

The Browns' offensive line was a major weakness in 2025, so overhauling the unit is a top priority this offseason. Signing a projected $21 million guard like Chris Paul would be a significant investment, but could help solidify the line and provide better protection for quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The details

Paul was a 7th round draft pick of the Commanders in 2022 and started his first NFL game as a rookie. He then became a full-time starter in 2025, his third season, and is now considered one of the top free agent guards available. The Browns are reportedly in "hot pursuit" of Paul, who is expected to price himself out of Washington with a lucrative multi-year deal.

  • Paul was drafted by the Commanders in 2022.
  • Paul became a full-time starter for the first time in 2025.
  • Paul is set to hit free agency in 2026.

The players

Chris Paul

A 7th round draft pick of the Washington Commanders in 2022 who emerged as a full-time starting guard in 2025 and is now one of the top free agent offensive linemen.

Andrew Berry

The general manager of the Cleveland Browns, who has stated the team is looking to overhaul their offensive line this offseason through a combination of internal development, veteran additions, and the draft.

Deshaun Watson

The starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, who would benefit from improved offensive line play to provide better protection.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Maybe the most interesting one is Commanders guard Chris Paul (no, not that Chris Paul), who appears to have priced himself out of Washington with teams like Cleveland in hot pursuit.”

— Albert Breer, NFL Insider, Sports Illustrated (Sports Illustrated)

“Paul is a heavy-set guard who uses his wide base to smother rushers. He lacks pop and physicality as a run blocker. He's elite in pass protection. He's well below average as a run blocker. He will be a fit in places with a more pass-happy offense. He will not be a fit in other places that are looking for run blocking.”

— Daniel Popper, NFL Analyst (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Browns will need to outbid other teams interested in signing Chris Paul in free agency in order to land the projected $21 million guard and solidify their offensive line.

The takeaway

The Browns are making a concerted effort to overhaul their offensive line this offseason, with the potential signing of Chris Paul being a key part of that strategy. Investing heavily in the offensive line is a necessary step for Cleveland to provide better protection for quarterback Deshaun Watson and improve their overall offensive production.