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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

Washington Commanders defensive tackles overlooked in ESPN rankings

Summary

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.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•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.

Latest Updates

3:57 AMYahoo Sports — Commanders’ $135 Million Duo Completely Shut Out of NFL Rankings

What they're saying

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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.
— Yahoo Sports

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