Just when it looked like things couldn't get much worse for the Washington Commanders, they will now have to cope with Daron Payne. The defensive lineman is heading to season-ending injured reserve after suffering a Jones fracture in practice, which represents another hammer blow for a team ravaged by health issues.
And this also removes yet another legitimate trade piece from general manager Adam Peters' options before the deadline.
Payne was the subject of trade speculation. He's in the final year of his deal, and several insiders around the league stated that there would be a market for the Pro Bowler if the Commanders made him available.
Daron Payne's injury takes another Commanders' trade chip off the table
With Payne now out for the rest of 2026 and potentially even beyond, that's no longer the case. And with second-team All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin out for the year with a torn patellar tendon, there doesn't seem much hope of Washington bolstering its draft assets with outgoing trades.
Other players could attract offers, of course. But McLaurin and Payne were arguably the most viable options to move.
Now, they will be watching from the sidelines and will stay in Washington.
However, it's starting to look like these two Washington stalwarts have played their final snaps for the franchise.
McLaurin is Washington's longest-serving offensive player. Payne is the team's longest-serving defensive player. They're some of the last remaining players from a bygone era in franchise history. And with Pro Bowler punter Tress Way also participating in his final season, big changes are on the horizon.
Daron Payne may have played his last snap for the Commanders
If the Commanders were contemplating trading Payne, they waited too long. They won't get the opportunity now, and Washington has a good chance of losing him for little more than a compensatory pick when 2027 free agency arrives.
Much will depend on Payne's recovery, of course. The Commanders could extend him on a short-term deal, but it would have to be for far less than he would have gotten with a dominant campaign.
But teams are always looking for quality players in the defensive trenches. Payne should have a lot of good football left if the recovery goes well. And the former Alabama standout might take this opportunity to get a fresh start elsewhere.
It's deeply disappointing. Payne has been part of the franchise's fabric since he was drafted by the club as a first-round pick in 2018. He may not have lived up to his $90 million contract extension, but he was still an integral part of Washington's defensive strategy.
And if the Commanders decide to sell before the deadline, Peters must now identify other players who could be expendable.
Payne has likely played his final snap in Washington. And if that's the case, he's gone out with an unfortunate whimper.
What might have been...
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