One veteran player’s future on the Washington Commanders is in serious doubt – and the odds are against him this offseason

Daron Payne could be playing his last games with the Commanders after a decline in production, and a price tag that’s not worth the results. He could be on the move this offseason.

Josh Taylor — Washington Commanders News Writer
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The Washington Commanders’ season is coming to an end, and the clock is ticking for the start of the most important offseason for general manager Adam Peters.

The Commanders still have three games left, however, and there’s plenty to watch for with the roster being evaluated. There are a ton of younger players who need to prove they belong, and a handful of veterans who are fighting for their futures.

Defensive tackle Daron Payne is at the top of the list of players to watch, and his salary cap for 2026 puts him as a long shot to return next season.

Daron Payne could be playing in his last games in Washington

Payne was drafted by Washington back in 2018, and he’s been here ever since as one of the longest tenured players. That streak could be coming to an end, however, with the defense in need of an overhaul and a roster that requires significant improvement. We already saw Peters move on from Jonathan Allen last offseason, and Payne could be next on the chopping block.

The Commanders can save a lot of salary cap space by moving on from Daron Payne

The Commanders are projected to have a top-5 salary cap when the offseason hits, and it can take a much bigger boost if they trade or release Daron Payne. They should be able to get a fourth-round pick or so for Payne, but it also wouldn’t surprise me if he were released just for the savings alone. The veteran defensive tackle is the top salary cap hit on the team for the 2026 season at a whopping $28 million.

OverTheCap.com

The Commanders can save $16.8 million in salary cap with only a $11.2 million dead cap hit, which they won’t have any of in 2026 anyway, and make even more room to work in free agency. That extra salary cap space can go towards another two high-quality starters in free agency, including his replacement. You don’t just make a move without reasoning, though, and the play doesn’t match the contract for Payne.

Daron Payne’s play has declined this season

Payne was off to a great start in the 2025 season after having 11 pressures and two sacks in the first three games, but it’s all gone downhill since then. It started when Payne was suspended for one game after throwing a punch at Amon-Ra St.Brown, which led to an ejection. Over the last five games Payne has played in, he’s only registered three pressures and one sack, and has an average run defense grade of just 46.6 on PFF.

The Commanders still have Javon Kinlaw and Johnny Newton in the interior, and both need to step up, but the defense needs improvement at just every position. Young free agent signing Drake Jackson is finally making his debut, and he can line up inside as well. Everything should be on the table this offseason, including more bold moves by Peters, who has a lot of work to do on this roster.

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