The Washington Commanders crushed the Philadelphia Eagles' quest for the No. 2 NFC playoff seed with a final-day success at Lincoln Financial Field. It may have been against mostly backups, but it was something for head coach Dan Quinn to cling to heading into an uncertain offseason.
This also brought into focus one massive dilemma facing general manager Adam Peters that he can no longer escape.
There are several fascinating storylines to watch for Washington before on-field preparations for the 2026 campaign begin. Much of the focus centers on the future of some coaches beneath Quinn. However, one of Peters' most pressing conundrums surrounds the future of defensive lineman Daron Payne.
Daron Payne left a positive impression in Commanders' season finale
Payne has one more year remaining on his deal in 2026. The former Alabama standout has played well overall this season, and his dominant outing against the Eagles — albeit versus some second-stringers — left an emphatic impression that only strengthens his claims for another extension ahead of time.
This was an undoubted positive from Payne's perspective. Whether it's enough for Peters to alter his strategy on this issue is another matter.
One could make a case for Payne being a shining light on an otherwise poor defensive front this season. The supporting cast isn't great, and he's the one constant. What the Commanders need to figure out is whether they would get bang for their buck by handing the Pro Bowler another long-term commitment.
Fans would argue that Payne only turns up the urgency in a contract year. That has some merit, but the Commanders may have backed themselves into a corner with so many subpar options alongside him on the defensive line interior.
Payne made a strong case in Week 18. But make no mistake; this could still legitimately go either way.
Much will depend on the money involved. Payne won't come cheap, and the Commanders need all the cash they can get to strengthen other areas during their expected roster overhaul. But with only six draft picks and the free-agent crop not looking especially promising, Peters could decide to keep faith with what he has.
If not, then Payne is young enough and productive enough this season to generate some interest in the trade market. What the Commanders might be able to get in return is anyone's guess, but trading him is a hard sell unless a genuine difference-maker comes in to replace him.
Time will tell on that. Still, Payne couldn't have done much more against the Eagles to improve his chances.