Defensive linemen Daron Payne and Montez Sweat are just two weeks away from a significant season. Both for different reasons, but the Commanders have decisions to make on both players’ future in Washington, and I am sure Sweat and Payne are aware of the pressure on them to make the most out of this season from a production standpoint.
Payne is playing on the last year of his rookie contract, as Washington exercised his fifth-year option. With free agency around the corner, Payne is positioned to set himself up for a good payday. When drafted, Payne was a lineman who was looked at as immediate help in run defense but had all the talent to develop a pass-rush toolbox.