The Washington Commanders are keeping Daron Payne around. There was plenty of speculation around the defensive lineman's future heading into the offseason, but general manager Adam Peters shut this down pretty quickly.
That did not stop one NFL analyst from outlining why Peters should change his stance.
Payne is an important part of the team's plans. He may not have ever reached the heights of his Pro Bowl campaign in 2022, but his departure would have left another gaping hole to fill. However, the Commanders have not given him a new deal in advance, which casts his future beyond 2026 in doubt during his contract year.
NFL analyst still believes the Commanders should consider trading Daron Payne
The former Alabama standout is focused on football and already catching the eye throughout Washington's offseason program. However, Moe Moton of The Bleacher Report thought the potential emergence of Johnny Newton and Payne's perceived inconsistencies are enough for the Commanders to cash in with a possible trade.
"In recent years, [Daron] Payne has been a decent interior defender but not a game-changer in the pass rush or against the run. Since his 2022 Pro Bowl year, he's averaged about four sacks per season with a missed tackle rate above 10 percent.
"Entering the final year of his deal, Payne has trade value, and the Commanders may have a long-term building block on the defensive line in [Johnny] Newton. Washington could deal Payne in one of the most notable transactions this offseason."
This doesn't seem feasible, in all honesty. The Commanders have made their stance, and there is simply too much at stake next season to dispose of a team stalwart.
Payne is one of the Commanders' longest-serving players. He's someone others look to for inspiration, and he is evolving as a leader. And it's not like Newton is a sure thing to fill the spot anyway.
Head coach Dan Quinn is expecting a massive leap from Newton in Year 3 of his professional career. His pass-rushing flashes are encouraging, but the 2024 second-round pick needs to fortify his play strength to be more impactful against the run. Until he does this, it's hard to envisage a scenario where he gets starting reps.
That alone is enough for the Commanders to retain Payne's services. This might change before the trade deadline if Washington is struggling, but he won't be moved now. Besides, they may get a better compensatory draft pick if he leaves in free agency than they would receive in a desperate trade.
This doesn't change the high stakes attached to Payne's performance levels. But the Commanders are going to give him another shot.
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