What’s Next for Daron Payne? Commanders Face a Big Decision on Their Defensive Anchor
The Washington Commanders are staring down a tough decision when it comes to defensive tackle Daron Payne. Right now, all signs point to the team letting him play out the final year of his current deal without a new extension or restructure. But until something is officially announced, the door remains open-and so does the speculation.
Let’s get one thing straight: Payne carries the team’s biggest cap hit in 2026 at $27.95 million. That’s a hefty number for a player whose recent production hasn’t quite matched the price tag.
But context matters here. Washington’s interior defensive line is thin-very thin.
And when you don’t have a lot of quality options behind a guy like Payne, that $27.95 million starts to look a little more like a necessary evil than a luxury overpay.
From a cap standpoint, the Commanders aren’t in a bind. They’ve got the space to carry Payne’s contract without needing to move mountains. The real question is whether general manager Adam Peters sees more value in keeping Payne around-or in what he could get back in a trade.
Could a Trade Be on the Table?
There’s chatter that a market could materialize if Washington opens the phone lines. According to Kristopher Knox, the Cincinnati Bengals could be a team to watch.
Their defense has struggled, and they’re running out of time to capitalize on Joe Burrow’s prime. Adding a proven interior presence like Payne could be a game-changer.
Knox floated the idea that Payne could fetch a fourth-round pick. That’s not nothing, but it’s also not the kind of return that screams “must-make move.” If that’s the best offer on the table, the Commanders might be better off holding onto him-especially with the risk of losing him for nothing in 2027 free agency looming.
The Daronte Jones Factor
There’s also a new wrinkle in play: Daronte Jones, Washington’s new defensive coordinator. He’s expected to bring a fresh approach to a defense that’s badly in need of a reset.
How Payne fits into Jones’ vision could go a long way in shaping the team’s next move. If Jones sees Payne as a foundational piece, that could tilt the scales toward keeping him.
If not, Peters may be more willing to listen to trade offers.
The Big Picture
Payne hasn’t quite delivered on the $90 million extension he signed after his Pro Bowl season in 2022. That much is clear.
But the Commanders aren’t in a position to be picky right now. They need talent, and even if Payne hasn’t been dominant, he’s still one of the better players on a roster that’s short on difference-makers.
For now, standing pat and letting the situation play out feels like the most realistic path forward. The Commanders can afford to wait, see how Payne performs under a new scheme, and reassess closer to the trade deadline-or next offseason.
But in the NFL, plans can change fast. One injury, one phone call, one shift in the market-and suddenly, that fourth-round pick might look a lot more appealing.
Or maybe Payne plays his way back into long-term plans. Either way, Washington’s decision on Daron Payne is going to say a lot about where this franchise sees itself heading.