Although Payne is used to being one of the most pivotal pieces on Washington's defensive line, he now finds himself in a slightly different role. The Commanders focused on adding size and strength to the group, and they achieved that by bringing in Deatrich Wise Jr., Eddie and Goldman Javon Kinlaw to shore up one of the worst run-stopping units in the league. They also have players like Johnny Newton and Javontae Jean-Baptiste, both draft picks from last year, set to take bigger steps in their development.
Payne is taking it upon himself to be the stabilizing force.
"I've been trying to work hard…trying to show the young boys how to do it," Payne said. "Just going out training hard every day, and then reloading in the morning and coming back the next day, trying to do it again."
And that might require Payne to step out of his comfort zone a bit, but he's willing to make that change.
"I'm the type of guy where I come to work, do what I gotta do, and then I get on with my life," Payne said. "So, I've just been challenging myself to be a leader and just going out there and working hard."
The incentive for what the defense could be in the upcoming season certainly helps, too.
"Man, if we play the defense that Coach Whitt has installed and do the things that he wants us to do, we can be as good as we want to be."