Another day, another defensive line trade in the NFL. And it could ripple all the way to the Washington Commanders.
In a bombshell, the Chicago Bears struck a deal with the Tennessee Titans for Jeffrey Simmons. The compensation is whopping: two first-round picks and a 2027 fourth-rounder. Just a staggering trade that shook the league to its foundations.
This could also affect Daron Payne's future in Washington.
Jeffrey Simmons trade could have a knock-on effect for the Commanders
Payne is out of contract next year, and he is arguably Washington's most tradable piece, with wide receiver Terry McLaurin out for the season with a torn patellar tendon. The Commanders haven't budged yet, believing they can still salvage something from the season despite failing to meet expectations so far.
That's debatable, and the next two games will tell fans more about how much fight is left in this team.
But teams are looking for defensive line help. And two deals so far might mean the market is now shrinking for Payne.
The Bears believe they are close. They have all the pieces in place, and Simmons is one of the league's best players who never gets talked about due to Tennessee's ongoing failures.
It's a move that raises the stakes in Chicago and around the league. And anyone looking at Simmons but unwilling to pay the price may now turn their attention to Payne.
At the same time, the well might be running dry for teams that actually need interior help.
And the longer general manager Adam Peters delays, the less chance he will have of moving Payne from the equation.
Daron Payne could generate trade interest, but the Commanders still believe in their season
It's a fine line. Some have accused Peters of being too proud to sell. The Commanders also believe things can get back on track, so the front-office leader might keep Payne and address his contract when the time comes.
If he is feeling particularly bullish, Peters could even go for an incoming trade of his own, though that doesn't seem likely at 1-4-1 and 6-16-1 since Washington's conference championship appearance.
Payne is professional enough to keep the main thing front and center.
He's dealt with trade speculation for most of the last two years now, so it's nothing new. Payne is still around, and until told otherwise, the Alabama product will be firmly focused on helping the Commanders beat a banged-up Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football.
Nothing more, nothing less.
The smoke is rising, and more trades are expected before the November 10 cut-off point. Whether the Commanders get involved is almost entirely dependent on how they fare against the Eagles and Los Angeles Rams. Peters said calls have come in and calls have been made, but pulling the trigger on anything is something else entirely.
Payne would command anything like what the Titans received for Simmons. His contract is expiring, so this might be similar to what the Indianapolis Colts got for DeForest Buckner when it's all said and done.
There is no telling for sure. But if the Commanders plan to move Payne, they would be wise to act as quickly as possible.
Because teams are not waiting around. Simmons' blockbuster trade to the Bears confirmed that.
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