SHAKEUP: Why Washington Commanders Might TRADE Daron Payne After Johnny Newton’s Rise

Is Johnny Newton set to become the Washington Commanders’ next breakout defensive force—and could his rise mean the end for Daron Payne? Explore whether impressive stats and game-changing plays point toward a bold 2026 roster shakeup, as salary cap considerations heat up and possible trade scenarios with the Raiders, Texans, or Bears enter the mix.Discover why the Commanders’ running back group with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jacory Croskey-Merritt might be surprisingly underrated, potentially rivaling duos like the Seahawks and Lions in efficiency. The offensive line’s recent injury resilience signals rare depth and offers a blueprint for 2026, while upcoming offseason moves promise fierce position battles and strategic upgrades. With insights into team strategy, draft prospects, and free agency targets like Najee Harris and Austin Ekeler, this episode tackles every angle of building Washington’s future NFL contender.Join the Everydayer Club today and get Locked On Commanders with no interruptions, members-only Discord access, and more — all for just $5 a month or $50 a year. Go to lockedoncommanders.supercast.com or check the link in the show notes to learn more.If you’re a true diehard Washington Commanders fan… the Everydayer All-Access tier is built for you.You’ll get one-on-one text access with me, All-Access episodes, an exclusive newsletter, and a 15% discount to the Locked On merch store.Head to lockedoncommanders.supercast.com to join the Everydayer program and unlock All-Access. Host David Harrison covers the Washington Commanders for WUSA9 and Sports Illustrated.Follow David on X: https://twitter.com/DHarrison82📌 Locked On Commanders is your daily podcast for all things Washington Commanders—free and available on all platforms.🎧 Subscribe + hit the bell for daily updates💬 Drop your questions and reactions in the comments!📸 Photo CreditsImages courtesy of USA Today, Bowie TV (YouTube.com/@Bowie_TV), and Abdullah Konte of the Washington Informer (Instagram: @dullahvision)🔗 Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platformshttps://link.chtbl.com/LOCommanders🧠 More NFL content from Locked Onhttps://linktr.ee/LockedOnNFLSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFLGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.