The Washington Commanders have made their move at defensive coordinator, tapping Daronte Jones to take over the unit. And while Jones gets to work installing his system, it sounds like he’ll have one of the team’s key defensive pieces still in place-at least for now.
All signs point to Daron Payne suiting up in burgundy and gold for the 2026 season. According to insider reports, the current plan is for the veteran defensive tackle to play out the final year of his contract without a restructure, pay cut, or extension. That’s a significant development, considering Payne’s massive cap hit and the ongoing debate among fans about his future.
Let’s break this down.
Payne is heading into the last year of his deal, and he’s once again the team’s highest-paid player in terms of cap hit. That’s a big number-$27.95 million-for a defensive lineman whose play has, at times, sparked mixed reviews.
Some fans see him as a foundational piece, especially in a defensive interior that’s been thin on consistent contributors. Others question his discipline and consistency, wondering if that kind of cap space could be better allocated elsewhere.
But from a front office perspective, this approach makes a lot of sense. General manager Adam Peters appears willing to ride it out with Payne for one more season.
Washington has the cap space to absorb the hit, and letting Payne play out his deal gives the Commanders some flexibility. No long-term commitment.
No dead money. No strings attached if things don’t pan out.
This also gives Daronte Jones a chance to evaluate Payne in his scheme. Jones inherits a defense that needs help across the board-up front, on the edge, at linebacker, and in the secondary.
Subtracting a proven veteran like Payne would only add another hole to a roster already in need of reinforcements. Keeping him in the fold, at least short term, gives the Commanders a known quantity while they look to build around him.
And there’s an upside here, too. If Payne thrives in a contract year-and that’s always a possibility-Washington could revisit an extension next offseason.
If not? They can move on cleanly, with no financial penalties.
It’s a calculated move. One that keeps a key piece on the field while giving the new coaching staff time to assess and adjust. And for now, it looks like the fans who were ready to move on from Payne will have to wait at least one more season.