Why Daron Payne believes Daronte Jones’ Commanders scheme can help him

Daron Payne isn’t the longest-tenured Commanders player. Punter Tress Way holds that title.  

The defensive tackles has been around the block a few times now, entering his ninth season in Washington. The Alabama product has seen some things during that time.  

He has been to the playoffs twice, including 2024’s deep postseason run. Results, however, have largely been unpleasant. Payne has experienced just one winning season (in 2024) since being selected No. 13 overall in the 2018 NFL draft.  

Payne has worked with four defensive coordinators and five defensive play callers heading into this season, when Daronte Jones now taking control. 

As someone who has been to the puppet show and seen the strings, we can trust Payne when he says something feels different in the best possible way.  

That’s how he’s describing Jones’ new defensive system.  

“When we’re in defensive meetings, I just listen to the way he explains it,” Payne said in a press conference after Saturday’s practice. “He’s like a mad scientist, the way he explains how to disguise and the things for the DBs, but it’s cool to see. It’s much harder than what the D-line got to do. I can say that.” 

The defensive line won’t remain static. That intrigues Payne, the ability to move around some, find advantageous matchups and showcase some versatility.  

“I just feel like I’m just being more versatile. … I get to play outside, I get to play inside,” Payne said. “It’s not like I just stay in one spot. I can play all along the line.” 

Look, Payne isn’t rushing off the edge. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound lineman can work all three defensive line spots, though, from various techniques.  

Payne’s able to do that because the Commanders have some big dudes up front. The defensive line contains six guys above 300 pounds and four above 315, including three presumptively involved in the regular-season rotation.  

“We got [DT Javon] Kinlaw, [DT Tim] Settle, [DT Jer’Zhan] Newton, a bunch of just big, strong guys that are not just big and strong, but they can also move, too,” Payne said. “So, it’s just fun being able to play with guys and we don’t have to just be stuck in one position. We can all just move, move along.” 

Having such heft means Payne isn’t stuck in the middle and could uncork some of the pass-rush ability that has shown up at various points in his career (though not lately). Run defense and block absorption is going to be important in the Commanders base three-man front.  

Payne’s in the last year of his deal, certainly hunting for an elusive third big NFL contract. He was at his best during his last contract year, so there’s hope he’ll be highly motivated and productive.  

If this is in fact Payne’s final season in Washington – his 2026 production and his open market value will likely define that – a strong finish is wanted.  

“Man, it’s a blessing to be in one place for so long in the NFL,” Payne said. “Guys don’t really stay in one place a long time, so this is a blessing to be here. I just want to be here to help get to where we want to go.”