Commanders DT Daron Payne is in the final year of his four-year, $90 million contract for 2026, having recorded a career-low 61% defensive snap share last season. Discussions are ongoing about him playing out this year without a restructure or extension, with expectations he will return for a ninth season. Washington could save $16.75 million by releasing him, but they do not appear to be moving in that direction. Payne, the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, posted 46 tackles and three sacks in 2025.
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Commanders Plan to Retain DT Daron Payne in 2026
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