Getty
New York Giants defensive tackle D.J. Davidson.
The Washington Commanders are paying a lot of money for not a lot of production on the interior defensive line, highlighted by big-money contracts for low-performing talent in Daron Payne (4 years, $90 million) and Javon Kinlaw (3 years, $45 million).
For what the Commanders aren’t getting out of players like that, maybe it’s time to try some less expensive options.
“Commanders signed former Giants DT DJ Davidson,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on Tuesday.
Davidson, 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, was a 5th-round pick (No. 147 overall) by the Giants in the 2022 NFL draft and has spent his whole career with them to this point.
“The Commanders have signed former Giants DL D.J. Davidson,” FanSided’s Doug Rush wrote on his official X account. “Davidson was the Giants 5th round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft. He appeared in 47 games during his 4 seasons, starting in 4, and had 49 total tackles with 2.5 sacks. Davidson will stay in the NFC East and look to make the Washington roster in 2026.”
Early Injury Tough to Overcome for D.J. Davidson
Davidson starred at Arizona State and played his way into being a 5th-round pick, but tore his ACL in Week 5 of his rookie year.
There haven’t been many opportunities to get snaps up front over the last 4 seasons playing behind perennial NFL All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, and Davidson saw his 2025 season come to an end after 15 games with a neck injury and a concussion.
Through his first 4 seasons, Davidson has approximately $4.6 million in career earnings.
Daron Payne Called No. 1 Trade Target for Packers
Depending on how the NFL draft shakes out, Payne could be on the move via a trade — if there’s a team willing to take on his salary.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine listed Payne as the No. 1 trade target for the Packers this offseason.
“The Packers probably don’t regret bringing Micah Parsons into town,” Ballentine wrote. “As long as he recovers from his knee injury he’s one of the best defenders in the league. But it’s hard to deny they missed Kenny Clark. Trading for Daron Payne could help that. The Commanders have a logjam of talent on the interior of the defensive line and extending Payne could be difficult. That could open the door for the Packers to get the interior disruptor who could take their defensive front to the next level.”
Payne made a Pro Bowl in 2022 with 11.5 sacks and signed a 4-year, $90 million contract extension before the 2023 season but only has 11.0 sacks, total, since he signed his mega-deal.
“The Commanders are a team under heightened pressure in 2026 following a 5-12 campaign this past season,” PFF’s Bradley Locker wrote. “Washington must improve its defense after ranking 31st in EPA per play allowed, which might include trading Payne up front. The longtime Washington standout has declined of late, playing three straight seasons with an overall PFF grade below 61.5 … Payne is not performing to the level of his lucrative contract. Now 28 and a free agent after next season, the Commanders may shed some payroll and pursue younger upgrades.”
Tony Adame covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. A veteran sports writer and editor since 2004, his work has been featured at Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News and Pensacola News Journal. More about Tony Adame
More Heavy on Commanders
Loading more stories