Commanders need big year from Daron Payne

ASHBURN, Va. - Daron Payne is enjoying a second act.

The Washington Commanders defensive tackle is the final survivor of a line that once sported four first-rounders. That line, however, has undergone massive change. While Payne even signed a four-year, $93 million deal in 2023 after 11.5 sacks the previous season, Chase Young was traded, Jon Allen released and Montez Sweat left as a free agent over the past two years. 

Washington is now rebuilding the line for the second straight year around Payne. However, Payne’s play was lackluster the past two seasons, with four sacks each year. While interior linemen’s contributions aren’t completely seen on a stat sheet, Payne has underperformed.

Now, Commanders need Payne to lead a charge if Washington is to regroup from last year’s NFC Championship Game loss.

"I've been really pleased," defensive coordinator Joe Whitt said of Payne. "[Payne] is leading by example. This year you can see him taking that leadership role to the next step."

There is added pep to Allen as the team continues OTAs this week before finishing the offseason workouts with minicamp on June 10-12. The Commanders focused on interior defensive linemen for depth hoping to bolster their run defense, which ranked third-worst leaguewide (137.5 yards per game) last season. They added Javon Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman, Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin in free agency.

If Washington is to improve, it’s up to Payne and his pupils.

“We’re just focusing on the techniques we want to play,” Payne said. “Create a new line of scrimmage and play with heavy hands. Size definitely helps. We’ve got some big old guys.”

Coach Dan Quinn sees Payne stepping up in his eighth season.

“He’s had a remarkable offseason,” Quinn said. “I felt that way in the skill work. I’ve been impressed by what I’ve seen so far. I see it happening out here (on the practice field)."

Yet, Quinn conceded it’s hard to judge defensive linemen in OTAs when hitting is not allowed.

“Not from the physical stance, [but] I can [tell] from what I’ve seen in drill work, skill sets of any new potential wrinkles,” he said. “We’ll find roles of early down run player to pass rusher. We’ve made an emphasis on strength and conditioning.”

Whitt figures on a heavy rotation and not focusing on finding a proven edge rusher.

“Every year is different,” he said. “I’m a firm believer to give everyone an opportunity. There will be different bodies.”

Payne said opponents that used to welcome playing Washington will find a more difficult foe.

“I know they used to single us out thinking it was an easy win,” Payne said.

Meanwhile, cornerback Marshon Lattimore did not attend the voluntary workouts for the second straight week. Quinn said the team has been in contract with Lattimore throughout the offseason, but the cornerback hasn’t been to Commanders Park.

Quinn also confirmed the team will practice at New England and against Baltimore shortly before preseason games.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.