The Washington Commanders look primed for another deep postseason run in 2025. Their fairytale first season under new head coach Dan Quinn was hard to believe. Ensuring this becomes a small part of a brighter future long-term is the next, and far more testing, challenge.
Adam Peters made the moves needed to put the Commanders in a better position. He was aggressive, finding immediate difference-makers and solid veterans capable of solidifying depth. Washington found value in its five draft selections, and the general manager kept faith with most of the squad that accomplished more than anyone dreamed of in 2024.
There are loftier expectations on Washington's shoulders. The league placed a substantial amount of faith in the project with eight standalone games, five of which are on prime time. It's an unusual position for the Commanders after being a toxic franchise just a couple of years ago. Seizing on this refreshing change of pace is crucial.
And if these five Commanders veterans manage to perform as expected or better than anticipated, it could flip the NFL on its head when push comes to shove in 2025.
Commanders veterans ready to flip the NFL on its head in 2025
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
The Washington Commanders released established veteran Jonathan Allen after no willing trade suitor came forward. This seemed inevitable from a long way out, but things worked out pretty well for all parties.
Allen's departure makes Daron Payne the No. 1 interior defensive lineman entering 2025. He's got the biggest salary-cap hit next season with a whopping $26.17 million coming his way. That's a big responsibility to take on, but it's now or never for the former first-round pick out of Alabama.
Payne flashed dominance last season, but more is needed. He needs to make a swift return to his Pro Bowl form in 2022, which saw the Commanders hand him a lucrative contract extension. Having Johnny Newton and free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw on the defensive tackle rotation will help, but there's no doubt who the main man is.
The stakes are high for Payne this season. One could argue he hasn't lived up to his loftier price tag as yet. If the same trend continues, he could follow Allen out of the door in 2026 either via trade or release.
Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. Payne has every physical tool imaginable to be more impactful. He showcased this to full effect once upon a time. Doing the same again in 2025 would change everything for Washington's defense in the trenches.