While signs suggest that the Washington Commanders are going to let defensive tackle Daron Payne play out the final year of his deal without an extension or restructuring, nothing has been confirmed. Until it does, speculation around his future will continue.
Payne is the team's highest salary-cap hit once again in 2026 at $27.95 million. Not many fans believe he is worth that based on his performance levels. At the same time, the Commanders' complete lack of quality on the defensive line interior means they may have no choice other than to keep him around.
The Commanders have enough financial wiggle room to easily absorb this contract. Payne hasn't done enough to warrant another extension. But if the right trade offer comes along, general manager Adam Peters may want to hear them out if nothing else.
Daron Payne trade projection leaves Commanders with an easy decision
Kristopher Knox from The Bleacher Report thought there could possibly be a robust market for Payne if the Commanders became receptive to offers. The analyst also tabbed the Cincinnati Bengals as a possible landing spot to finally give their failing defense a massive shot in the arm.
"With top defensive line prospects headed back to college, a veteran defensive lineman like Daron Payne might have an increased market in 2026. Payne is a high-level starter who should draw plenty of interest and bring Washington a solid return in a trade. A team desperate for defensive help, like the Cincinnati Bengals, should be willing to make a strong offer. If the Bengals hope to stop wasting Joe Burrow's prime years and return to the playoffs in 2026, adding a front-line defender like Payne would be a good first step."Kristopher Knox
Knox added that a fourth-round selection might be enough to tempt the Commanders into dealing Payne. At that price, Peters should keep him on the books, even if it means the former Alabama standout could leave for nothing when 2027 free agency arrives.
If the Commanders had better defensive personnel, things might be different. The arrival of new coordinator Daronte Jones promises to shake things up, so much will also depend on how he sees Payne being deployed in his vision for the future. There are a lot of moving parts right now, but an early Day 3 pick just doesn't seem worth it in the grand scheme of things.
Payne hasn't lived up to the $90 million extension he received after his Pro Bowl campaign in 2022. Even so, the Commanders need all the help they can get right now. Standing pat before deciding on his future seems like a realistic course of action.
But plans can change quickly.