Daron Payne’s Future in Washington: A $28 Million Question Mark
As the Washington Commanders begin turning the page under a new coaching staff, one of the biggest decisions looming over the franchise isn’t about who’s coming in-it’s about who might be staying. Specifically, defensive tackle Daron Payne, who’s currently set to enter the final year of his deal, and who-if nothing changes-will once again carry the highest salary-cap hit on the roster in 2026.
That number? A hefty $28 million. And with no extension or restructure in place yet, the Commanders face a critical crossroads: ride it out with Payne and see what he can do in a new scheme, or move on and free up a sizable chunk of cap space.
A Relationship at a Crossroads
Payne’s situation is a polarizing one among fans. Some believe his best days are behind him, pointing to a dip in production since his breakout Pro Bowl season in 2022-the campaign that earned him a $90 million extension. Others argue that he remains the team’s top interior lineman and a vital piece of the defensive core.
The truth probably lies somewhere in between. Payne hasn’t consistently lived up to that Pro Bowl billing over the past couple of seasons, but he’s still a disruptive presence on the interior and brings experience to a defense that’s undergoing serious change. With Daronte Jones stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, the Commanders are installing a fresh system-and sometimes, a new voice and a new scheme are exactly what a veteran player needs to unlock another level.
There’s also the matter of locker room leadership. Payne has been a steady presence through the ups and downs in Washington, and keeping him around could offer some much-needed continuity during a period of transition.
The Cap Space Conundrum
But let’s talk numbers. If the Commanders were to release Payne before the 2026 season, they’d save nearly $17 million in cap space.
That’s not just money off the books-it’s real flexibility. Enough to bring in a starting-caliber defensive tackle, or spread across multiple positions to shore up depth and add competition.
Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan put it bluntly: “You can’t convince me that he is worth paying $28 million for a football season, and I like him. I actually think he’s their best defensive player.” Paulsen’s point isn’t that Payne lacks talent-far from it-but rather that the return on investment hasn’t matched the price tag.
And it’s a fair take. In today’s NFL, cap management is everything.
Teams that can find value-either through young talent or smart free-agent signings-tend to be the ones still playing football deep into January. If Washington believes it can get similar or better production at a lower cost, that’s a tough argument to ignore.
Betting on a Bounce-Back?
Still, if the Commanders choose to keep Payne on the books for 2026, it sends a clear message: they believe there’s more in the tank. That with the right scheme, better surrounding talent, and a coaching staff that knows how to deploy him, Payne can return to form-or even surpass it.
And let’s not overlook the motivational factor. Contract years have a way of bringing out the best in players, especially veterans with something to prove. If Payne is playing for his next big deal-whether in Washington or elsewhere-expect him to come in focused, hungry, and ready to remind people why he earned that $90 million extension in the first place.
What Comes Next?
For now, the Commanders have time on their side. They’re not in a financial bind this offseason, and they can afford to see how things play out early in camp.
But the longer they wait, the more complicated things could get. If Payne thrives in Jones’ system and plays his way back into elite territory, the price to keep him might only go up.
On the flip side, if production continues to lag, Washington could be looking back at a missed opportunity to reallocate resources and build a more balanced roster.
Either way, Daron Payne’s 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines in Washington. Whether he’s anchoring the defensive front or playing elsewhere, his next chapter could have a major impact on how this new regime takes shape.