The veteran could very well be playing for his job when the Commanders take the field this season.
The Washington Commanders were one of the worst teams in the NFL a year ago. That's a major reason that the franchise underwent a significant makeover this offseason that included bringing in a new general manager, head coach, and franchise quarterback. A potential resurgence in the NFC East starts with Jayden Daniels but he'll need the rest of his team to rise to the occasion if the Commanders are going to make any noise in 2024.
"Payne didn’t have a poor season in 2023, mind you, but it was clear how much tougher life was for him and Allen after Montez Sweat and Chase Young both were traded on one franchise-changing day last Halloween," Edhold wrote. "Even after that point, Payne showed what he could do, collecting three of his four sacks, including two in a late-season loss to the Rams."
Payne's overall numbers dropped off last season as he chipped in a career-worst 61.2 defensive grade according to PFF. It's worth noting that seven of his tackles for loss and three of his sacks came after Washington traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat, providing some optimism he can keep moving in the right direction. At the same time, he could very well be playing for his job as Payne enters the second year of a four-year/$90 million contract extension that he signed last March.
"Two years younger than Allen and one season removed from an 11.5-sack, Pro Bowl campaign, Payne might have the better chance to shine in 2024 and remain a key fixture on the Washington defense going forward," Edhold continued.
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