According to an insider report, the Washington Commanders are discussing the prospect of defensive tackle Daron Payne playing out the final year of his deal without an extension or restructure. If accurate, he will undoubtedly be the highest salary-cap hit on the team once again in 2026.
Some fans believe this relationship has run its course. Others think that Payne should be extended as the team's best interior lineman. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, and if he cannot raise his performance levels under new coordinator Daronte Jones in 2026, the Commanders have an extra $28 million available next year.