Following a brutal 5-12 campaign in 2025, the Washington Commanders are most likely going to rebuild, which means the team could trade defensive lineman Daron Payne during the offseason. According to PFF, Payne is listed as a top trade candidate who could be on the move, especially after the firing of former defensive coordinator Joe Whitt. Unfortunately for the veteran, the standout’s production has significantly declined over the past few seasons, so this could force the Commanders to either trade or release him during the offseason to rebuild. No matter who comes in as the new defensive coach, many should expect Payne to be somewhat of a top trade candidate coming out of Washington.
Possible Shakeup: Commanders $90 Million Star Daron Payne May Be On Trade Block
Payne has been known for his “punch” to Detroit Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown this 2025 regular season, for which the league suspended him for one game. It wasn’t the first time he’s had issues controlling his anger, as he poked former Commander Jonathan Allen on the sidelines in 2021. Despite the team hiring Dan Quinn and the team finding their rhythm during the 2024 season, it looks like the Commanders will have to start from scratch.
One of the many players who is likely to leave is Payne. Originally selected in the first-round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product recorded a Pro Bowl during the 2022 regular season. The veteran is still a reliable interior lineman that a team could use, so it shouldn’t be surprising if a trade happens as early as March. Here are three teams that could use Payne’s services as an efficient veteran in the trenches.
Next Possible Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers lost Jesse Minter as their defensive “wizard” mind, but they should be able to rebuild their line either way. Between Teair Tart and Da’Shawn Hand, the Chargers were never the same defensive line after losing Poona Ford to the Rams. While Ford was a costly loss and he could be heading for a Super Bowl, it’s a chance for the Chargers to be aggressive this offseason. They can’t afford to let star players hit the market and not give them a possible long-term deal.
The team must save this defense, and even if Khalil Mack returns, it’s going to take more than him for this defense to find their mojo back. Payne has a step in his career, but he would easily join a promising defense that has a lot of edge depth and create damage within the middle alongside Tart if they re-sign him again.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, don’t expect the Commanders to trade Payne to Dallas. The only way the Cowboys would be able to acquire Payne is if the Commanders release him. After hiring Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator, there are a lot of scenarios where Eagle defensive free agents could follow. Players such as Reed Blankenship and Nakobe Dean may join Dallas, but why not get Payne to improve the defensive line?
Even though the Cowboys have one of the best interiors in the league between Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa, they haven’t seen much progress from Clark. They could release him during the offseason, and if that happens, Payne could be an intriguing replacement to turn this defense into the best it’s ever been.
Baltimore Ravens
Despite locking in Travis Jones and John Jenkins for at least another season, the Baltimore Ravens could use another defensive lineman. The Ravens’ 2026 season will look entirely different without John Harbaugh for the first time in almost 20 years. This means that the new coaching staff could take this team in a different direction than expected. If the Ravens want to get aggressive and change this defense around, they should trade for Payne.
The team has had several injuries and consistency issues on defense between Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington. Payne isn’t the same, but his presence should be something significant for Baltimore.