Daron Payne's future with the Washington Commanders was expected to be clouded this offseason. Most fans didn't think he'd performed up to his pay grade, and counting $27.95 million against the cap in 2026 made him a possible candidate for a cut, according to media speculation.
However, one respected team insider believes the Commanders and coaches around the league hold a different opinion. As such, there is a greater chance of him receiving a long-term extension rather than being disposed of prematurely.
Reports suggest the Commanders are willing to let Payne play out the final year of his deal before taking things further. They have enough salary-cap space to absorb the money without it jeopardizing the team's plans to strengthen across the board. And if new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is planning to implement a creative 3-4 base scheme, the 2018 first-round pick could potentially line up at the nose tackle spot.
Commanders hold a different opinion to most fans about Daron Payne
Despite Payne's production drawing criticism from fans, ESPN's John Keim reported that those in power were pleased with his performance in 2025. Opposing offensive coaches agreed, so a multi-year extension could be in the offing if he picks things up a notch under Jones' expert guidance.
"The Commanders were pleased with how he played in 2025. Multiple offensive coaches who faced Washington's defense said their biggest worry entering games vs. Washington was Payne and the Commanders' interior line play. There's a definite chance, one team source said, that Washington allows Payne to play on the final year of his contract rather than extend and lower his cap hit. If they opt to keep him at this cost, it could push Payne to earn a multi-year contract next offseason."John Keim, ESPN
Some might not like it, but Payne's departure would leave yet another gaping hole to fill. The Commanders' defense should undergo a massive overhaul in personnel, so having a team stalwart leading the charge will only help. And if the options around the former Alabama standout improve, his performances should as well.
All signs point to Payne being a member of the Commanders next season. All bets are off after that, so his future will be almost entirely dependent on whether he can raise enough consistency to warrant another lucrative financial commitment from the franchise.
He'll get a shot, unless there is a drastic change of thought or Jones doesn't see him in the team's future. The lineman's last contract year was his only Pro Bowl season, during which he recorded 11.5 sacks. Hopefully, standing pat and making Payne earn it can bring similar results.
The Commanders need all the help they can get defensively. And they probably feel like cutting Payne loose is too big a risk in their current state. It's that simple.