Tyler Biadasz - Commanders C
The Washington Commanders' offensive line was a rare positive area of the roster. Although the unit went through significant early upheaval, everyone acquitted themselves well, providing a solid base for new offensive coordinator David Blough to work with.
If left guard Chris Paul is extended, all five of Washington's starting offensive linemen will be back in 2026. This continuity is essential and equally favorable. Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson may have been let go, but the players' cohesion remains intact.
The glue that holds it all together is Tyler Biadasz. He's been a rock at the center position over the last two seasons, developing strong pre-snap chemistry with Jayden Daniels while also providing solid, if unspectacular, protection.
Biadasz finished the campaign on injured reserve, but there are no real long-term concerns. The veteran lineman has one more year remaining on his deal, counting $10.98 million against the salary cap. What the Commanders need to figure out is whether the former Wisconsin standout is worthy of another extension ahead of time.
That is more debatable. Biadasz won't be forcing the issue, so he'll be more than happy to play out the last year before taking things further. And if he performs well over the early stages of the campaign, the Commanders could always extend him in-season.
Daron Payne - Commanders DL
Veteran defensive tackle Daron Payne will once again be the Commanders' highest salary-cap number in 2026, standing at $27.95 million. Considering his production and lack of consistency, some sections of the fan base want general manager Adam Peters to cut the cord.
That doesn't appear likely, according to reports. They suggest that the Commanders' discussions with Payne have centered around playing out the final year of his deal without an extension, release, or restructure. Although disappointing to those who want a change in approach, it does make sense.
As stated previously, the big-money move to acquire Javon Kinlaw was a disaster. Johnny Newton looks like a pass-rush specialist and nothing more. Payne might not be a world-beater either, but removing him from the equation would leave another gaping hole to fill.
Washington is also in a strong enough financial position to absorb this financial sum before taking things further. That may end up costing more in the long run, but his Pro Bowl campaign in 2022 also seems like an anomaly rather than the norm.
If things don't go well for the Commanders, Peters could always try to flip Payne before the 2026 trade deadline. But extending him in advance is out of the question.