The Washington Commanders relied heavily on their veteran leadership to propel Dan Quinn's culture shift last season. Running it back was almost guaranteed, but things haven't gone nearly as well this time around.
The Commanders are effectively eliminated from the playoffs, but they still must right the ship to prove there's still some fight left in Quinn's squad. That starts with getting healthier, but some of Washington's trusted veterans who've been active all season also need to pick it up.
In that regard, one name stands out above the rest.
Daron Payne must use his return from suspension to recapture his early-season form
Daron Payne didn't play in the Commanders' most recent contest against the Miami Dolphins due to suspension after an altercation with Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Lost in the controversy is that after a strong start to 2025, the eight-year veteran had gone ghost again in recent weeks.
Payne was playing his best football since his dominant 2022 Pro Bowl year earlier in the campaign. This was the season that earned him a four-year, $90 million contract extension. He had a sack in the Commanders' season opener against the New York Giants. He forced a fumble in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. He blocked a field goal in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears.
In Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, he was everywhere. Payne was responsible for a safety and three pass breakups. Ever since then, he'd been invisible until his spat with St. Brown.
Over his past three appearances, Payne has recorded no stats beyond four tackles, only one of which was a solo tackle. That is unacceptable for Washington's biggest salary-cap commitment.
Payne's Week 1 sack of Russell Wilson remains the only time this year he's taken down a quarterback. His inconsistency has been a theme throughout his career: he can be dominant in spurts, but seemingly only when he's motivated.
The former Alabama game-wrecker will need to be more motivated than ever after having two weeks to reflect on his actions against the Lions. After missing the Commanders' trip to Madrid, he has to be itching to suit up for the first time since Quinn took over defensive coordinator duties from Joe Whitt Jr.
The Commanders are counting on Payne as one of their most reliable veteran stalwarts. It's up to him to start playing like it again.