Washington Commanders Shut Out of NFL Defensive Tackle Rankings

The Washington Commanders were completely shut out of ESPN's annual Top 10 position rankings for defensive tackle, with neither Daron Payne nor Javon Kinlaw receiving a mention.

What happened to the Commanders' defensive tackles?

The Commanders are spending big at defensive tackle, with Payne and Kinlaw combining for a $135 million contract.

The team's defensive tackle duo has not lived up to expectations, with Payne coming off arguably the worst season of his career.

Why were the Commanders shut out of the rankings?

The Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants all had defensive tackles represented in the Top 10, with the Eagles' Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis both making the list.

The Commanders' lack of representation is surprising, given their investment in the position.

What's next for Daron Payne and the Commanders?

Payne is entering the final year of his contract, and the Commanders may look to trade him or sign him to an extension, with Bleacher Report's Moe Moton suggesting that retaining Payne at a lower cost would be the best option for the team.

The Commanders are currently standing 14th in the National Football Conference with a 5-12 record, and are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13, 2026.

Payne has been listed among Pro Football Focus's Top 15 NFL Trade Candidates, and the team may look to shed some payroll and pursue younger upgrades.

Javon Kinlaw was singled out as the NFL's worst free-agent signing in the 2025 cycle by Pro Football Focus, with Over the Cap's Jason Fitzgerald giving the Commanders an "F" grade for the deal.

The Commanders will look to improve their defense after ranking 31st in EPA per play allowed last season, and may make changes to their defensive tackle lineup in the coming months.