Commanders Face Tough Daron Payne Decision in Free Agency

Payne's $28 million cap hit could force Washington to move on from the defensive tackle.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:08pm

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The Washington Commanders must decide whether to keep or cut defensive tackle Daron Payne, who has one year left on his contract at a $28 million cap hit. While Payne has been a solid player for the team, his high salary may force the Commanders to move on and find a cheaper replacement.

Why it matters

Payne's future with the Commanders will have a significant impact on the team's offseason plans and salary cap management. Keeping him at his current price tag could limit their ability to address other needs, while releasing him would create a hole in their defensive line that they'd need to fill.

The details

Payne is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $28 million cap hit - the fourth-highest for a defensive tackle in the NFL. The Commanders were pleased with his play in 2025, but his high salary could force them to either extend and lower his cap hit or release him and save $16.8 million. If they keep him, Payne would have extra motivation to earn a multi-year deal next offseason, but if he leaves, Washington could receive a compensatory draft pick in 2027.

  • Payne has one year left on his contract for the 2026 season.
  • The Commanders must decide on Payne's future this offseason.

The players

Daron Payne

A defensive tackle who has played for the Washington Commanders for the past eight seasons.

Washington Commanders

The NFL team based in Washington, D.C. that employs Daron Payne.

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What they’re saying

“Payne has one year left on his contract and will cost $28 million against the salary cap for next season. That's the fourth-most cap space by a defensive tackle -- and a lot of room for a player with only one Pro Bowl (in 2022) and no All-Pro selections in his career.”

— John Keim, ESPN insider (ESPN)

“There's a definite chance, one team source said, that Washington allows Payne to play on the final year of his contract rather than extend and lower his cap hit.”

— John Keim, ESPN insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The Commanders will need to decide whether to keep Daron Payne at his $28 million cap hit, extend and lower his salary, or release him and find a cheaper replacement this offseason.

The takeaway

Daron Payne's future with the Washington Commanders is a complex decision that will have major implications on the team's salary cap and roster construction for the 2026 season and beyond. The Commanders must weigh the pros and cons of keeping Payne at his high price tag or moving on to a more affordable option.