The Washington Commanders face major decisions on new contracts at season's end. One of those centers on defensive lineman Daron Payne, and with the trade deadline getting close, national insiders are already speculating whether general manager Adam Peters will look to get something back in return.
But as things stand right now, that would be a mistake.
Payne has quietly put together an outstanding start to the campaign, aside from one poor outing against the Dallas Cowboys. The interior defensive lineman looks much more productive against the run, and it's benefiting the entire team. He's also displaying more explosiveness rushing the passer while also doing a lot of good work that doesn't show up on the stat sheet.
Daron Payne is too valuable for the Commanders to trade him before the deadline
In a contract year, this is precisely the sort of impact Washington expected.
Peters opted to stand pat with Payne this offseason. He wasn't traded or cut. However, the Commanders also weren't going to give him an extension ahead of time, which has given the Alabama product extra motivation to earn another lucrative financial commitment.
Payne has eight pressures, three run stops, and seven quarterback hurries so far. While the Pro Bowler has only four tackles through the first three weeks, he is drawing a lot of attention from opposing offensive lines. And his ability to absorb double-teams effectively is freeing up space for others to make plays, which is a necessity in Daronte Jones' aggressive 3-4 system.
This hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning, as it typically does at this time of year.
ESPN insider Dan Graziano listed Payne among the potential movers before the trade deadline, if the Commanders don't extend him first. That seems unlikely, but the reporter believes other teams could be interested if Washington slumps.
"His contract voids at the end of the season, which will make him a free agent -- unless the Commanders extend him first. If they do that, feel free to scratch him right off this list. But if they don't, and if the Commanders aren't in the NFC East race by midseason, their 2018 first-round pick could be of interest to teams looking to fill holes along their defensive lines."
Graziano thought the Commanders could use Payne as a bargaining chip for another veteran player if they are still in the hunt.
Daron Payne is closer to a new Commanders deal than being traded, but that could change
While nothing should be completely dismissed, it would be surprising.
Based on his first three games, Payne is closer to securing a new deal than being shipped out.
Payne is a formidable player. He's grown as a locker-room leader, especially since Jonathan Allen's departure. Sometimes he can be unfairly scapegoated, but that comes with the territory.
Fans know how good Payne can be. It's frustrating when he isn't, and one could even argue he hasn't quite lived up to the bumper new contract he received after gaining 11.5 sacks in 2022.
But the Commanders need him. They value him. And if his performance stays steady or improves as the season goes on, Peters would be wise to work something out to keep him around.
Of course, this could all change if the Commanders start freefalling in the coming weeks.
Peters will then have to focus on the future. That starts with acquiring as many picks as possible, and Payne would be a primary option to move.
Hopefully, it won't come to that. If the Commanders can build on their incredible upset over the Seattle Seahawks, it won't.
And Payne promises to be a big part of any success that comes their way, even if the trade rumors probably won't subside.
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