For the first time in years, Daron Payne doesn't have the veteran presence of Jonathan Allen to depend upon. They were teammates at Alabama before linking up with the Washington Commanders. They became close friends, but there was only one undisputed alpha in the room.
Now things have changed. And the signs suggest that Allen's departure might be a good thing for Payne.
Allen's production no longer matched the paycheck. He was released by the Commanders when no willing trade suitor came forward, eventually signing for the Minnesota Vikings. Payne was immediately thrust into the No.