Commanders gave clear answer to biggest offseason question, and it comes at a hefty price
General manager Adam Peters decided the fate of Daron Payne at the NFL Scouting Combine, and the decision will be a heavy focus next season.
This is a critical offseason for the Washington Commanders, and they’re just getting started with free agency under two weeks away.
General manager Adam Peters has other roster decisions he needs to handle this offseason, and some are more expensive than others. Other than having 31 pending free agents after extending Andrew Wylie, the Commanders have two expensive players still on the roster who need to have their futures decided.
Peters answered one of the expensive questions at the NFL Scouting Combine, and it will come at a price in 2026.
Adam Peters says the Commanders are keeping DT Daron Payne
The Commanders have a massive decision to make regarding the future of veteran defensive tackle Daron Payne, and Peters made their plans clear at the combine today when asked about a possible contract extension.
“No, we haven’t begun that [contract extension talks],” Peters said. “I don’t think we’re gonna explore that at this time. Really excited to have Daron with us next year, and can probably address that at a later time, maybe after the year. But, and I’ve talked with his agent about that, what I can say is I got a ton of respect for Daron. His toughness, his physicality, his leadership, his ability to play and be available all the time. And there’s nobody tougher than him, and I think he’s going to really have a chance to flourish in this new defense, which will be a little bit multiple and allow him to move around a little bit, but right now, I think Laremy, at this point, is the only one we’re talking to.”
The Commanders will pay a price for keeping Daron Payne
With the Commanders keeping Payne around and not extending him beyond 2026, their top-5 salary cap will take a hit of almost $28 million, which is the highest of the team. The Commanders could’ve saved up to $22.3 million if they cut or traded Payne with a post June 1st designation. Now, the Commanders know what they’ll have heading into free agency and have to spend wisely.
Payne will have everything to play for in 2026 with no future plans in Washington. It’ll be up to new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to see where Payne plays his best under his new scheme and maximize his production for possibly his last season with the Commanders.
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