Adam Peters has some monumental decisions upcoming when the 2026 offseason arrives. The Washington Commanders have plummeted back to irrelevancy after reaching the NFC Championship game in 2024. That typically brings about massive changes, and the general manager won't hesitate to do what's required.
This roster is old. It's slow. It's devoid of young players progressing and meeting their targets. Peters needs to address several critical needs, and there is also the small matter of certain futures of those currently around to figure out for the Commanders to move forward successfully.
And there is one trusted veteran who could suddenly be heading for a farewell in Washington.
Commanders have a massive decision to make with Daron Payne this offseason
When Peters opted to stand pat at the 2025 trade deadline, it signaled that either the offers weren't acceptable or the Commanders still felt that something could be salvaged from the season. That doesn't appear to be the case after six straight losses, so Washington's front-office leader will likely consolidate next spring. That means stockpiling for the future, which starts by accumulating as many draft picks as possible.
The problem is that Washington doesn't have many tradable assets that would bring much-needed compensation. Peters won't consider trading any of his draft picks — not yet, anyway. But if a suitable offer comes in for defensive tackle Daron Payne, he could be much more receptive.
Payne's played well this season. It's not been perfect, but he's been an asset. However, his contract situation and lack of discipline could lead the Commanders to cut ties with one of the team's longest-serving players.
If the Commanders decide not to extend Payne, they have to trade him. They cannot let him run out his contract. That's either going to cost them a lot more in the long run, or the former Alabama star will leave for nothing. Considering how Peters' stock of draft assets is depleted, that is out of the question.
The one-time Pro Bowler counts $28.01 million against the Commanders' salary cap in 2026. Trading Payne before June 1 would save $16.81 million, with $11.2 million in dead cap. If they wait until after the new league year, their cap savings rocket to $22.41 million compared to $5.6 million in dead cash.
Washington's financial ramifications with Payne are the same whether he's traded or released. It's an interesting element to monitor as the recruitment period approaches, but it all comes down to whether the Commanders view the 28-year-old interior force as a foundational piece moving forward.
If not, the time to remove Payne from the equation will arrive.