Daron Payne Delivers Statement After Harsh ‘Overpaid’ Label
Daron Payne entered his eighth season with two competing narratives.
On one side, Bleacher Report placed him on its “All-Overpaid Team” before Week 1. The outlet pointed to a four-year, $90 million deal with $59 million guaranteed, his failure to surpass five sacks in six of his seven seasons, and last year’s poor Pro Football Focus grades. “He wasn’t the same before [2022] and hasn’t been the same since,” B/R wrote, questioning whether the Washington Commanders were getting their money’s worth.
Inside Washington’s building, the tone was far different.
Daron Payne Steps Into Leadership
Two years ago, Washington moved on from Chase Young. Montez Sweat soon went to the Chicago Bears, and this past offseason Jonathan Allen signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Payne suddenly became the defensive line’s veteran anchor and one of the longest tenured members of the Burgundy and Gold. Coaches pushed him to lead, and according to Commanders.com, he answered.
Head coach Dan Quinn told Payne during camp that he’d had “a remarkable offseason,” highlighting his conditioning and focus. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. praised his effort, saying Payne “looks intentful” and sets the tone by practicing at full speed.
Payne may not be the loudest voice in the room, but his example has carried weight. Younger players see how he approaches meetings, walkthroughs, and reps, and that influence matters on a defense looking to reset its identity.
Week 1 Response
In Washington’s 21–6 win over the New York Giants, Payne delivered one of his best outings. He recorded four tackles, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and two assisted tackles. From collapsing the pocket on Russell Wilson to batting down passes at the line, Payne wrecked New York’s game plan.
The Giants managed only 231 total yards, and Payne was a big reason why. His constant pressure forced Wilson into rushed throws, and his disruption inside helped Washington control the line of scrimmage.
“I’m having fun, man, I think it shows by the way I’m playing,” Payne told Alex Flum of DC News Now after the win.
The performance felt like 2022 all over again. That season, Payne tied the franchise record for sacks by a defensive tackle with 11.5, earned a Pro Bowl nod, and cashed in with his extension.
Shifting the Narrative
Payne’s production declined in 2023 and 2024, which contributed to the “overpaid” label. But Week 1 showed he still has the ability to take over games. His strong offseason and dominant opener suggest he’s ready to reestablish himself as one of the league’s top interior defenders.
That’s exactly what Dan Quinn’s defense needs. Washington wants to build its identity on toughness and physicality. Recent additions, such as Javon Kinlaw, Von Miller, and Eddie Goldman, reinforce that vision. Payne’s ability to draw double teams and still produce creates ripple effects for everyone around him.
Bleacher Report questioned whether Payne was worth his contract. His Week 1 performance sent the perfect rebuttal. Washington asked him to lead, and he delivered both in the offseason and on the field.
For at least one week, Daron Payne looked like a man worth every penny.
Dan Quinn Issues 2-Word Message on Jayden Daniels’ Injury Status
The Washington Commanders are facing a tough opponent in the Green Bay Packers on a short week, and star Jayden Daniels appeared on the estimated injury report.
Washington listed the second-year QB with a right wrist injury, though also noted he was a full participant in Monday’s walkthrough practice, per the team’s official X account.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn spoke with media members on Tuesday, September 9, and offered a two-word update on the state of Daniels’ injury.
#Commanders coach Dan Quinn says he has "zero concerns" about Jayden Daniels' right wrist, which popped up on the estimated injury report Monday.
Daniels was listed as a full participant and is expected to start Thursday night vs. the #Packers.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 9, 2025
“#Commanders coach Dan Quinn says he has ‘zero concerns’ about Jayden Daniels’ right wrist, which popped up on the estimated injury report Monday,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported via social media. “Daniels was listed as a full participant and is expected to start Thursday night vs. the #Packers.”
Jayden Daniels’ Health Crucial to Commanders Repeating Success of 2024 Season
GettyQuarterback Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders.
Washington’s showdown against Green Bay on “Thursday Night Football” could potentially be a preview of a critical NFC playoff matchup next January, as both teams earned postseason berths in 2024 and began the 2025 campaign with double-digit wins over division opponents.
The Commanders bested the New York Giants and their talented pass rush by a score of 21-6 on Sunday. Daniels completed 19-of-30 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown in the victory. He also rushed the football 11 times for 68 yards.
Daniels earned Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro-Bowl honors in his initial NFL campaign last season, amassing 3,568 passing yards, 25 TDs and nine INTs (69.0 percent completion rate) along with 891 rushing yards at a clip of 6.0 yards per carry and six touchdowns on the ground.
Washington bested the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions (NFC’s No. 1 seed in 2024) on the road in the playoffs last postseason to earn a spot in the conference championship game, where the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Commanders on their way to a Super Bowl victory.
Green Bay, which lost to Philadelphia in the first round of last year’s playoffs, clobbered Detroit at Lambeau Field in Week 1 by a score of 27-13. The Lions’ only touchdown came during garbage time with less than one minute remaining on the clock and essentially zero chance of victory.
Battle Between Packers, Commanders Will Help Sort Out NFC Pecking Order Early in Regular Season
GettyGreen Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons.
While there remains much football to play this season, the winner of the Commanders-Packers matchup on Thursday night will have an early claim as arguably the second-best team in the NFC, and the entire NFL, behind the Eagles.
The Athletic on Tuesday dropped its league-wide power rankings heading into Week 2, with Philadelphia topping the charts. Green Bay’s dominant performance over the two-time consecutive NFC North champion Lions saw the Packers leap into the No. 2 spot.
“[Micah] Parsons had barely been with the Packers a week and already made a massive impact as the defense flummoxed the Lions,” Chad Graff and Josh Kendall wrote. “Once Parsons is comfortable, look out.”
The Commanders slotted in at No. 5 in the rankings behind the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers at Nos. 3 and 4, respectively, though with more question marks following Week 1 than the Packers have.
“The Commanders knew they needed to get better defensively this offseason. Mission accomplished in Week 1, holding New York to just 3.7 yards per play,” Graff and Kendall continued. “But was that legit, or just the benefit of playing Russell Wilson and the Giants’ mediocre offense? We’ll find out more about this team on Thursday.”
