Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne calls new DC Daronte Jones a "mad scientist" as the defense installs an aggressive, disguise-heavy scheme.

Amid his second contract season with the team, Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne is enjoying the versatility in the new scheme

Washington's defense went from serviceable in 2024 to awful in 2025. After giving up the fifth-most passing yards and third-most rushing yards in the league, Washington drafted Sonny Styles with the seventh overall pick, but one player won't be enough to elevate the group from the bottom of the league. Daron Payne, Dorance Armstrong and Frankie Luvu are all playing on contracts set to expire at the end of the year.

The Washington Commanders have a lot to like along the defensive line, but how does the unit shake out in 2026?

Which Washington Commanders have the most to prove ahead of the start of 2026 training camp?

The last time Daron Payne was due for a contract extension, he had an explosive 2022 campaign in which he nearly tripled his sack production from the year before. Heading into 2026, Payne's original four-year extension is set to expire at the end of the season, with contract negotiations not expected to begin until after the year is up. During his breakout year in 2022, Payne recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks, a total that took him 3 1/2 years to achieve.

Daron Payne is tipped to earn "another payday" thanks to a key change made by new Washington Commanders' defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. The post Daron Payne Tipped for ‘Another Payday’ Because of Key Commanders Change appeared first on HEAVY.