"Daron Payne's future with the Washington Commanders was expected to be clouded this offseason. Most fans didn't think he'd performed up to his pay grade, and counting $27.95 million against the cap in 2026 made him a possible candidate for a cut, according to media speculation. However, one respected team insider believes the Commanders and coaches around the league hold a different opinion."
"The Commanders were pleased with how he played in 2025. Multiple offensive coaches who faced Washington's defense said their biggest worry entering games vs. Washington was Payne and the Commanders' interior line play. There's a definite chance, one team source said, that Washington allows Payne to play on the final year of his contract rather than extend and lower his cap hit. If they opt to keep him at this cost, it could push Payne to earn a multi-year contract next offseason."
Daron Payne entered the offseason with uncertain standing after fans criticized his production and his $27.95 million 2026 cap charge made him a potential cut candidate. Team insiders and offensive coaches who faced Washington viewed his 2025 play positively. The Commanders have enough salary-cap space to retain Payne for the final year of his deal and may allow him to play out the contract before deciding on an extension. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones could implement a creative 3-4 base scheme that shifts Payne to nose tackle. Retaining Payne would maintain continuity amid a planned defensive personnel overhaul and could lead to a multi-year contract next offseason.
Read at Riggo's Rag
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