Could the Washington Commanders part ways with a pair of defensive starters this offseason and ahead of the 2026 season?
The ongoing defensive coordinator search has drawn all the headlines with a new name added on Friday and no updated timeline on when a hire is expected to officially materialize. But once that's settled, head coach Dan Quinn and the new coordinator will have their work cut out for them with a need to replenish virtually the entire defense ahead of the 2026 season.
While cornerback and edge rushers are areas of concern for the Commanders, restocking the defensive line is as big of a question mark for the coaching staff, including the dilemma at defensive tackle with Daron Payne, Jer'Zhan Newton and Javon Kinlaw all under contract heading into 2026. But with limited production and inconsistencies inside the defensive line, what materializes along the defensive at the position this offseason remains an underrated question mark. But one outlet projected a possible offseason move with the veteran tabbed one to watch.
Payne was named as one of 15 trade candidates this offseason by Pro Football Focus.
In his eighth season with the team, Payne posted 46 tackles and three sacks across 15 games. But maybe the biggest concern is Payne's 11 combined sacks over the last three seasons - compared to his 11.5 during the 2022 season. 2025 also marked then first time he missed a game since 2019, his second season in the league.
"Tying for the 10th-highest annual average value at the position, Payne is not performing to the level of his lucrative contract," PFF wrote. "Now 28 and a free agent after next season, the Commanders may shed some payroll and pursue younger upgrades."
What the market looks like remains to be seen as some have speculated around a potential trade package that returns Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, giving Washington a chance to potentially address a question mark with one of the NFL's best.
But Payne also wasn't the lone Commander defender projected to be on the chopping block this offseason with safety Quan Martin also listed. His situation could be different than Payne's, though, after watching his play plummet in his third season with the team. Starting in all 17 games, Martin failed to record an interception while amassing just three passes defended and adding 99 tackles on the season, but he also struggled like the rest of the defense in 2025 and could have finished with his first 100-plus tackle season had tackling wasn't a continued weakness for the Illinois product. With one year left on his contract, Washington has a chance to capitalize on his value as they retool the defense.
"The former second-round pick hasn’t played as anticipated in the pros, receiving a 57.8 overall grade with a 38.6 PFF coverage mark. This year, Martin yielded the highest passer rating when targeted (151.8) at the position while also surrendering the seventh-most yards (468)," PFF wrote.
One possible solution is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who has been one of a handful of projected draft selections by the Commanders with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. But edge rusher has remained the biggest storyline with Washington's first round pick with a need to get younger at the position. Still, upgrading the backline is another clear need for head coach Dan Quinn and the eventual revamped defensive staff.