Washington Commanders defensive tackles overlooked in ESPN rankings
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 3:57 AM
Last updated Jul 10, 2026
The Washington Commanders' defensive tackles Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw were excluded from ESPN's annual preseason position rankings, which featured 19 players. This absence comes despite the Commanders' significant investment of $135 million in the duo, with Payne on a four-year, $90 million contract and Kinlaw on a three-year, $45 million deal. Payne has struggled since his standout 2022 Pro Bowl season, while Kinlaw has been criticized as the league's worst free-agent signing last cycle. This offseason, the Commanders may consider options for Payne's contract as they work to improve their defense after a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025.
- •Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw not featured in ESPN's Top 10 defensive tackles.
- •The Commanders spent $135 million on their defensive tackle duo.
- •Payne's performance declined after a strong 2022 season.
- •Kinlaw's signing has drawn significant criticism as a poor decision.
- •Washington finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record.
- 3:57 AMYahoo Sports — Commanders’ $135 Million Duo Completely Shut Out of NFL Rankings
"The Washington Commanders defensive tackles were completely shut out of ESPN's annual preseason position rankings. The post Commanders’ $135 Million Duo Completely Shut Out of NFL Rankings appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NFL•Jul 10, 2026, 3:00 AMInside the Cowboys punt team turnover and its effect on the final 53
- NFL•Jul 10, 2026, 1:53 AMMike Macdonald’s Cryptic Comment Adds Twist to Seahawks-Patriots Rematch
- NFL•Jul 10, 2026, 1:18 AMCowboys Sources Respond To Von Miller's Desire To Sign With Dallas
- NFL•Jul 10, 2026, 1:08 AMMac Jones' blunt description of Tom Brady interaction in Patriots-Bucs
- NFL•Jul 10, 2026, 12:23 AMNFL evaluators make convincing case for the Bengals to exercise restraint with ascending starter
- NFL•Jul 10, 2026, 12:15 AMBrandin Cooks leaves no doubt about his feelings for Bills ahead of training camp, but Buffalo may have already closed that door
