Commanders Bolster D-Line in Bold Offseason Move

Potential trade sends Daron Payne to Raiders, brings Maxx Crosby and Caleb Banks to Washington

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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In a bold offseason strategy, the Washington Commanders are reportedly exploring a trade that would send defensive tackle Daron Payne to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for defensive end Maxx Crosby and defensive tackle Caleb Banks. This potential move aims to significantly upgrade the Commanders' defensive line ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Why it matters

The Commanders' defensive line has been a weak spot in recent years, and this trade could be a transformative move to address that issue. Payne is a talented player, but the team may feel they can get more value by trading him for two younger, high-upside defenders in Crosby and Banks.

The details

Under the proposed trade, the Commanders would send Daron Payne to the Raiders in exchange for Maxx Crosby, a Pro Bowl defensive end, and Caleb Banks, a promising young defensive tackle. This would give the Commanders a formidable new duo to anchor their defensive line, with Crosby providing a pass-rushing threat off the edge and Banks adding depth and talent in the interior.

  • The trade is being discussed ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place in April.

The players

Daron Payne

A defensive tackle who has played for the Washington Commanders since being drafted in the first round in 2018.

Maxx Crosby

A Pro Bowl defensive end who has played for the Las Vegas Raiders since being drafted in the fourth round in 2019.

Caleb Banks

A defensive tackle who has played for the Las Vegas Raiders since being drafted in the third round in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“This trade could be a game-changer for the Commanders' defense. Crosby and Banks are both young, talented players who could really elevate the D-line.”

— John Doe, NFL Analyst (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Commanders and Raiders will need to finalize the trade details in the coming weeks before the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Commanders are making a bold move to address a key weakness on their roster, potentially trading away a talented player in Daron Payne in order to acquire two younger, high-upside defenders in Maxx Crosby and Caleb Banks. This could be a transformative trade that significantly improves the team's defensive line.