NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
Many Washington fans are waiting for Rivera to pull the trigger on a veteran quarterback. The speculation is them having to give up at least a first-round pick. However, it is more likely they will have to hand over the 19th pick and then some. This led to fans discussing the possibility of trading a player.
If Washington is forced to trade a player, their best bet is a defensive lineman. This unit has talent and depth. Some have poked at the idea of Matt Ioannidis being packaged up, but some then suggested the possibility of Daron Payne. Countless fans then swarmed to Payne’s defense, saying that he was untradable.
Here are three reasons why Washington should consider trading Daron Payne.
Won’t be Able to Afford Him
Washington has drafted well recently. Due to this, many players will be seeking a fairly expensive contract. Scherff, McLaurin, Allen, Payne, Sweat, and Young will be expecting a big payday when their rookie contracts are up. In reality, they won’t be able to pay everyone.
Washington will almost certainly be looking to pay a veteran wide receiver this offseason. If they also go for a veteran quarterback, Washington will need to figure out who they can let walk. The most likely player to not get paid is Daron Payne. This is due to the defensive line already being the strength of the team. It can afford to lose a player.
He Is Good, Not Great
This is where the biggest disagreement will begin among fans. Most view Payne as an elite defensive tackle. However, data from Pro Football Focus says otherwise. Payne finished the regular season with a 68.2 grade, which only ranked 37th among interior defensive lineman who played 400+ snaps. This was the highest grade of his three-year career. We saw Jonathan Allen take a massive leap with the new coaching staff (60.5 to 80.3), but not so much with Payne (67.5 to 68.2).
His run defense had a respectable 74 grade, but his pass rush left a lot to be desired. His pass-rush productivity ranked 49th among interior defensive lineman who played 250+ pass-rush snaps. If Washington was going to let one of the defensive linemen go, Daron Payne might be the one. Allen is also a captain, which hurts Payne’s chances even more.
A Quarterback Is Much More Valuable
If Washington trades a player this offseason, it will most likely be for a quarterback. If not for a veteran, then to trade up in the draft to select one. I have seen fans on social media refusing to trade anyone on the defensive line outside of Matt Ioannidis.
There is nothing more valuable to a team than the quarterback. You cannot win consistently without one. A defensive tackle is very replaceable, and Washington already has Ioannidis to take over. Payne has two years left on his rookie contract, which adds value in a trade.
There is a chance Washington doesn’t make any trade, and almost everyone returns for the 2021 season. Though, Rivera did mention that finding a quarterback was going to be the #1 priority. They know not every young star will be able to get a second contract, so why not trade one while they have value. I understand fans view Payne as a crucial piece of the defense, but Matt Ioannidis and Tim Settle would be able to replace him.
