All the talk has centered on whether Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters will make another bold move before the 2025 trade deadline. However, one respected team insider hinted that another significant move could be coming at some stage during the 2026 offseason.
And it'll raise more than a few eyebrows among the fan base.
It doesn't seem likely that Peters will make any moves with the Commanders in their current state. A constant stream of injuries and aging players regressing has seen this once-touted Super Bowl challenger sitting at 3-5 through eight weeks. Considering what the front-office leader gave up to acquire cornerback Marshon Lattimore, wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., and left tackle Laremy Tunsil, sacrificing draft picks when you only have six in 2026 doesn't seem wise.
Commanders insider believes Daron Payne could be traded during the 2026 offseason
Fans shouldn't expect fireworks. However, long-time team insider John Keim from ESPN thought the Commanders could be receptive to trade offers for Pro Bowl defensive lineman Daron Payne once the 2025 campaign concludes.
"Defensive tackle Daron Payne has one year left on his deal, but he's playing well and could be dealt in the offseason. "
John Keim
The Commanders don't have many high-value pieces they'd be willing to move. Payne would be one of them, especially if Peters isn't planning to offer him another lucrative contract extension.
Payne has been among the team's top performers this season. He's displaying dominant tendencies as the team's alpha in the defensive tackle room — traits he didn't previously have — thanks to Jonathan Allen's presence. It's a positive development, but fans are aware that he is also playing for more money.
The former Alabama standout's best campaign came in 2022, which was another contract year. Payne gained 11.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl. A massive extension followed, but performance levels subsequently dipped considerably.
Peters could be reluctant to pay him. The Commanders don't have second or fourth-round picks in 2026, so a situation could arise in which they start shopping Payne. And looking at the way he's dominated more often than not this season, there could be a market for his services.
Trading Payne next offseason saves the Commanders $16.81 million on their salary cap with $11.2 million in dead money. It would need to be the right offer, but the scenario depends on the player's contract demands and whether Peters is willing to meet them.
Payne would be a massive loss to a unit that relies heavily on him. But if Peters thinks maximizing his value on the trade market is the way to go, he won't hesitate to remove another player from Washington's bygone era from the equation.