Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders thought they were close to lifting another Super Bowl. That had merit, given they reached the final four last time around. However, the one-year deals for aging veterans blew up in general manager Adam Peters' face.
One of those was Jonathan Jones. The Commanders brought the two-time Super Bowl winner to the franchise in free agency, ending his lengthy and prolific stint with the New England Patriots. This was expected to fortify Washington's cornerback unit into a real strength. Unfortunately, the opposite occurred.
Injuries decimated this group. Jones went down early in the campaign with a hamstring injury and never looked comfortable when he got back into the lineup. He ended the campaign on a high note with a strong performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18. Still, it was a largely disappointing campaign in Washington for the player.
Perhaps if Jones hadn't sustained a hamstring problem earlier in the year, things could have been different. That wasn't the case, and the Commanders need a complete rethink in their cornerback room when the time comes to make some tough decisions.
Bringing Jones into the fold was the correct choice. But as with most new arrivals, it didn't yield the desired results.
Daron Payne - Commanders DL
When the Washington Commanders released Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen after no willing trade suitor came forward, it represented a supreme vote of confidence in Daron Payne to step up into the alpha role. And the signs throughout the offseason suggested he was more than ready to fill the void.
Payne took on more leadership responsibilities. He stopped doing the bare minimum and emerged as a mentor to Washington's younger players. This was precisely what the coaching staff was looking for, but the on-field production was once again wildly inconsistent.
The former Alabama standout was solid enough. Payne was way down the list of problems on Washington's defense. However, as one of the team's longest-serving players and the largest salary-cap hit by a considerable margin, it wasn't enough.
The Pro Bowler is being paid like one of the best interior performers in the league. Payne hasn't lived up to the four-year, $90 million extension he received, and general manager Adam Peters faces a significant decision about the player this offseason.
Payne has only one more year remaining on his deal, counting more than $28 million against the cap. The Commanders could extend him early. They could also seek trade offers to avoid another longer-term commitment.