The Washington Commanders have their new defensive coordinator after hiring Daronte Jones. And now, a new insider report suggests the play-caller will have one of the team's linchpins on the line around for the 2026 campaign.
One of the biggest offseason talking points among the fan base so far is what the Commanders have in store for Daron Payne. The defensive tackle only has one more year remaining on his deal, and he's the team's largest salary-cap hit once again in 2026. That led to speculation about an extension in advance or about seeking a trade partner to ease Washington's financial burden.
Fans are divided. Some wanted Payne to stick around, given the complete lack of quality alongside him on the defensive line interior. Others thought the former Alabama standout's inconsistency and lack of discipline didn't warrant another financial commitment, and that he should be let go for some fresh blood.
Commanders could let Daron Payne play out the final year of his deal in 2026
According to Ben Standig, whose work can now be found on Substack, the conversations so far have centered on Payne playing out the final season of his contract before taking things further. Nothing has been confirmed for sure, but it seems as if general manager Adam Peters would prefer to keep him around.
"Discussions between the two sides have focused on [Daron] Payne playing out the final year of his contract without a financial restructure, pay cut, or extension, a source close to the situation told Last Man Standig. The current expectation is that Payne will be back for a ninth season, though not all variables are set in stone."Ben Standig
This seems sensible. The Commanders have enough spare cash to absorb the $27.95 million coming Payne's way next season. Nothing has been confirmed, so much will also depend on the scheme Jones plans to run and how the 2018 first-round pick fits into it.
The Commanders need help all over their defense. Removing Payne from the equation would leave Washington another hole to fill. Keeping him on the books and potentially adding another interior lineman seems feasible. That would also give Peters more freedom to spend on edge rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs in free agency or the draft.
What comes after that is far less clear. The Commanders risk having to shell out more to keep Payne around in this scenario. But if he cannot meet expectations in a contract year, Washington can move off him with no financial ramifications whatsoever.
But if Standig's report is accurate, the fans who wanted Payne off the team will be out of luck.