One game stands between the Washington Commanders and their much-needed offseason reset. Fans have been waiting to turn the page for some time, and general manager Adam Peters is probably thinking the same.
Some critical decisions are upcoming. Peters has some franchise-defining choices to make, and he must hit on almost every one. While some are starting to look like foregone conclusions, others are firmly hanging in the balance entering their Week 18 trip to the Philadelphia Eagles.
And for one firmly established franchise cornerstone, the final regular-season engagement of 2025 is starting to look like a silent ultimatum.
Commanders have a complex contract situation brewing with Daron Payne
Head coach Dan Quinn revealed that defensive tackle Daron Payne should be healthy enough to feature this weekend after missing Washington's defeat to the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle is making encouraging progress, and he'll have plenty to fight for if the medical staff gives him the all-clear to participate.
Payne's been wildly inconsistent this season. One can point to the supporting cast around him being subpar. Still, the Commanders were probably expecting more after making him the top dog in their defensive trenches by releasing Jonathan Allen.
The flashes are dominant. Payne has taken on a more leadership role, and his importance to the program might be valued more behind the scenes than across the fan base. However, the former Alabama star has only one more year remaining on his $90 million deal, so a massive decision awaits Peters in the coming months.
Both sides could decide to let things play out in 2026 and take it from there. Payne might opt for a contract holdout to secure an extension in advance. That would present Peters with a complex conundrum bearing significant ramifications.
The Commanders could bow to Payne's demands and grant him additional financial security. If there is even the slightest doubt, then trading or releasing the lineman couldn't be ruled out entirely.
That scenario would be more likely if Javon Kinlaw and Johnny Newton were providing long-term encouragement. Aside from brief glimpses of promise, that's not been the case. Unless Peters has something or someone else lined up, reaching a compromise with Payne wouldn't be the worst idea.
This is one of the offseason's most important decisions, and nobody is really talking about it. Payne needs to finish the season on a positive note at Lincoln Financial Field. After that, he might have the necessary leverage to force the issue.
If not, then his situation becomes increasingly precarious.