The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[Chris]

I think we’re kind of wasting our time talking about Payne right now. They don’t need to make this decision yet.

That’s never stopped us before either. 🤣

 

[Bulldog]

The discussion may not belong in the FA thread per se but Payne to a lot of fans is symptomatic of the moves that represent getting less value for more money that was a staple of the Snyder regime.

Letting him become a free agent and recouping $16.5M in 2026 cap space would be a sign we are moving on from plug and play guys getting paid $27M while all-pros on other teams are paid less.

That $16.5M could be two players for this defense that make a more considerable contribution as we move forward.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Yeah, I never suggested cutting him for 2025, he had to be on the team. And I haven't heard anybody directly report the team doesn't want to tie themselves to Payne long term, however nobody actually has to report that. I think the team's actions and Payne's play has indicated it.

I think there's a C. They couldn't find his replacement at the same level without spending more money. ie: new contract - Salary Cap Savings by cutting Payne > keeping Payne one more year.

Now, if they wanted to cut him and then upgrade, which would cost a lot more, then that's a different subject. I think ideally they want to get the same or better play from that position, not break the bank for a top-end DT because there are so many other holes to fill.

Given that, when you net it out, it might be cheaper to keep Payne than pay to replace him.

And FWIW, that math hasn't changed since October when I was saying it and everybody thought I was nuts.

I really wish there was somebody who would give us a 4th or 5th for Payne. If somebody would do that, you could probably get a replacement player, and even if you had to spend a little more against the cap, you pick up a draft pick. I just don't think there's a market for an expense average somewhat sulky DT.

I am pretty sure Keim referenced it in a recent podcast. But I'll go back to listen. He never "reports", he just talks about what he hears. And if he guesses he says he is guessing. But I am pretty sure it was him who said that he heard they aren't interested in extending his contract.

He's maybe a hair better than an average player, but gets paid now like he's elite. It's like paying for a 260 hitter like he's a 330 hitter.

But their defense is so horrendous that do you want to have a do over everywhere including DT? I'd do it. But I can see why they wouldn't want to release him.

 

[Bulldog]

Well, the opposing argument can also be made that the need to remake this defense is so comprehensive that the question can be made that keeping a 31 year old DT who doesn't really move the needle in terms of performance really help?

Or is the $16.5M we recoup in cap savings worth TWO players being signed in free agency that may help this unit with its resurrection.

I am sure Jones has some ideas, but the fact it was reported that he is interested in bringing in a coach to work 'with the front seven' is evidence along with Peters' comments that this will be a clear focus area.

 

[Chris]

Payne is 28. Turns 29 in May.

 

[Bulldog]

Payne must have been a young draftee if he is only 28/29 and was taken in 2018.

That though doesn't change my perspective in regards to a player that really was only a difference maker during the season his contract was up.

That to me is suspect.

If Jones however comes in and watches film and thinks Payne can be employed more effectively that's fine.

But it's going to be hard to get $27M of value of out a DT unless he plays like Aaron Donald or Chris Jones.

And unlike 2024 I think the organization has to start making moves for more than today and look to the future with Daniels.

If we can bring in two or three players with the $16M in cap space and they can be here for the next 2-3-4 years that to me is the best use of resources.

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[Conn]

Payne is 28. Turns 29 in May.

Okay, sure, you may think that’s how the math works! But if he’s 28, almost 29. Then he’s basically 30. Which may as well be 31! Which is essentially middle-aged, borderline retirement-aged. And once you’ve got this far he’s got one foot in the grave, his grandsons are getting drafted. But they’re 25.5 year old rookies so they’re basically already on their final contracts as well, minutes from retirement

 

[Chris]

Okay, sure, you may think that’s how the math works! But if he’s 28, almost 29. Then he’s basically 30. Which may as well be 31! Which is essentially middle-aged, borderline retirement-aged. And once you’ve got this far he’s got one foot in the grave, his grandsons are getting drafted. But they’re 25.5 year old rookies so they’re basically already on their final contracts as well, minutes from retirement

But that doesn’t change my perspective though. 😎

 

[RWJ]

 

[Kel Varnsen]

Okay, sure, you may think that’s how the math works! But if he’s 28, almost 29. Then he’s basically 30. Which may as well be 31! Which is essentially middle-aged, borderline retirement-aged. And once you’ve got this far he’s got one foot in the grave, his grandsons are getting drafted. But they’re 25.5 year old rookies so they’re basically already on their final contracts as well, minutes from retirement

 

[RedWolf]

Lots of holes

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[HTTR]

Of course he’s not worth 28 million. I don’t think anybody’s trying to convince anybody of that. The alternative is paying him 12 million to play for someone else. That money’s already gone either way. So the real question is is he worth 16 million? If you’re telling me we can get somebody better for less than that, and that all of our already available cap space will be used to fill all the other holes, then yeah you can count me in. But otherwise, I see no reason to subtract talent/depth from an already depleted roster.

 

[Commander Wraith]

It’s all about fit for me. If the staff thinks Payne’s a really good fit for Jones’ scheme, we keep him. If not, cut him. We could (just as an example) use that money to bring in cheap FA DT (there are loads of them), pay the 8th highest paid LB salary (currently JOK), and still have some money leftover. Essentially, possibly somewhat downgrading DT (though we may be able to find a better fit than Payne for far, far cheaper), but massively upgrade another spot with a (potentially) blue chip player.

 

[Chris]

A lot of people shit on Payne for his lack of sacks. Yes, of course, he did have one outlier season when it mattered to him the most.

Interesting that in his college career at Alabama, with a professional job on the line, he had 3 sacks in 35 games and turned that into a 1st round pick.

 

[Primus Porcus]

Of course he’s not worth 28 million. I don’t think anybody’s trying to convince anybody of that. The alternative is paying him 12 million to play for someone else. That money’s already gone either way. So the real question is is he worth 16 million? If you’re telling me we can get somebody better for less than that, and that all of our already available cap space will be used to fill all the other holes, then yeah you can count me in. But otherwise, I see no reason to subtract talent/depth from an already depleted roster.

My thinking is that the unit doesn't take a step back without him. It was one of the worst units in the NFL with him, i can be one of the worst units in the NFL without him, and either use the $17mil in savings to replace him with something better, because an AAV of that number would rank still in the top 20 in terms of salary. IF that guy isn't walking the street, then that money can easily go toward an addition either at OLB or EDGE who can come in and also influence the front 7 to improve the unit as a whole. If you dont spend it there, you spend it elsewhere to improve the team, while the DLine likely doesn't take an impactful step back... it's a net positive.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Do I think they can get a similar DT for 16 million, heck yeah. But I'll give this to Payne, he's remarkably durable. So for a team that gets ravaged by injuries, he's valuable from that standpoint.

As for culture, he seems fine in the locker room. Not a leader. But not a problem either. His motor by several different accounts runs hot and cold, not a try hard on every play DT by reputation. It's been a long time since I've watched him rep by rep personally so I don't personally have an opinion on it.

And I do get that on a crap unit -- a C plus player while would be "meh" on teams with a lot of talent like the Eagles, Rams, etc -- our version of slightly above average, hot and cold motor, is more important to this team. So for a team like the Eagles, Rams or name that top half of the league unit, it would be absurd IMO to keep someone like Payne. But for a team like this one its different.

I get though the angst from some fans about him. The money gestures he made in his contract year after every sack where he made it clear he's playing for a contract and then following that up with easily being one of the most overpaid players in the league -- is a bit frustrating. But I get the beggars can't be choosers counter point to all of that.

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

I am pretty sure Keim referenced it in a recent podcast. But I'll go back to listen. He never "reports", he just talks about what he hears. And if he guesses he says he is guessing. But I am pretty sure it was him who said that he heard they aren't interested in extending his contract.

He's maybe a hair better than an average player, but gets paid now like he's elite. It's like paying for a 260 hitter like he's a 330 hitter.

But their defense is so horrendous that do you want to have a do over everywhere including DT? I'd do it. But I can see why they wouldn't want to release him.

I think the only reason he's going to be on the team is the only reason I thought he might be on the team since the middle of the season:

A replacement level player for him is going to be net more expensive when you consider the cost of the new contract - cap savings, you're going to end up worse off from a cap position than you are by just keeping the average player.

Said another way, if they release Payne and pay an average DT an average DT contract signed in 2026, absent cap magic to push the cost into out years, it's more expensive than just keeping the average player you already have.

The arguement would be, if you can get an average player who is younger with more up-side, then maybe you do it.

I'm not sure there are a lot of guys out there like that...

And Kinlaw didn't get over-paid. That's a false narrative. He got paid what an average DT get. The players who are better than him got way more. So do you really want to cut Payne and sing another Kinlaw to a Kinlaw contact? That would, in the end, be more expensive.

I kindof like the idea of just letting Payne ride it out, and then you are not on the hook for anything in 2027.

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

I think if you release Payne, you're signing another Kinlaw type contract to replace him.

Here's Kinlaw's contract:

So, essentially, it's a wash. You save $16m on the maybe above average player you already have and then spend it on another average player. Who's probably going to be about the same age.

My question is, is that really worth doing?

I'd prefer they ride it out with Payne, and try and draft a guy early in 2027. The interior of the DL wasn't great, but at least you have Payne, Kinlaw and Newton under contract. Sign a couple more rotational guys.

Payne would be gone after this season, and Kinlaw could be gone at the end of this season, and Newton would be heading into the final year of his rookie deal. So you would have a lot of money and flexibility next year if you want it.

Also note, I'm kindof the opposite of a fan of Payne's. I find him to be overall disappointing. And I wouldn't shed a tear if they cut him or traded him.

I just think there are a lot of media folks who've missed the boat on this one, and in turn, a lot of fans don't understand why this is a possibility. It's always been a possibility. Even though there were several media members who claimed it wasn't since at least the middle of the season when I started having this argument.