"Now, with one year left on his contract and the Commanders continuing to struggle on defense, it's hard not to see the shadow of Allen when looking at Payne. There are rumors that Peters might be looking to trade him or even simply release him outright, as he did last year with Allen. Some reports also suggest the Commanders will let the interior defensive lineman play out the last year of his contract."
"Payne is the last remaining piece of a failed master plan. Washington chose a defensive lineman in the first round of the draft in four consecutive years. Allen, Payne, Montez Sweat, and Chase Young were supposed to be the bedrock of a championship team - an explosive and talented defensive line that could shut down the run and pressure the quarterback."
The Commanders released Jonathan Allen last year while adding Johnny Newton and Javon Kinlaw and keeping Daron Payne. Payne enters his final contract year amid persistent rumors of a trade, release, or being allowed to play out the season. He remains the last vestige of a failed strategy that relied on four consecutive first-round defensive linemen—Allen, Payne, Montez Sweat, and Chase Young—to form a dominant front. Injuries, possibly overvalued talent, and poor defensive coaching contributed to the collapse. The team has begun selling pieces and rebuilding, and Payne underperformed in 2025 with career-low sack production.
Read at Riggo's Rag
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