​The NFC East Division boasted a strong showing in ESPN’s yearly Top 10 rankings for defensive tackles. The Philadelphia Eagles had both of their starting tackles recognized in the Top 10, with Jalen Carter ranking third and Jordan Davis placing tenth. Also representing the Eagles was Milton Williams, a former Eagle who now plays for the New England Patriots, who came in at number nine. The Dallas Cowboys were likewise well represented, with NFL All-Pro Quinnen Williams at number six and a vote-getter in Kenny Clark, a two-time Pro Bowler. Another defensive tackle the Cowboys traded away earlier this offseason, Osi Odighizuwa, drew votes as a member of his new team, the San Francisco 49ers.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants were represented—though loosely—by former Giant Dexter Lawrence, who sits at number seven after being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in April. Lawrence had been a five-time NFL All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowler in his first seven seasons with the Giants. The Washington Commanders, however, did not have a single player in the Top 10, nor in the honorable mentions or among those receiving votes. In total, the list featured 19 players, with none from Washington.
The Commanders have been investing heavily in the defensive tackle position, signing Daron Payne to a four-year, $90 million deal and Javon Kinlaw to a three-year, $45 million contract. Payne, coming off what many consider his weakest season, drew attention from Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton. Moton argued that Payne’s contract situation is one of the most important moves Washington must make this offseason. The columnist proposed several scenarios: trading Payne to save $22.4 million in cap space, releasing him to save $17.4 million, or signing an extension that would lower his $28 million cap hit for the year. Ideally, Moton suggested, Washington would retain Payne at a reduced cost and secure his short-term future in contract year.
Pro Football Focus also highlighted Payne as a top trade candidate in January, soon after Washington finished the 2024 regular season 5-12, following a 12-5 finish and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game the previous year. PFF’s Bradley Locker noted that Washington faced increased pressure in 2026 to strengthen its defense after ranking 31st in EPA per play allowed. He indicated that a potential Payne trade could be part of that upgrade, pointing out that Payne had declined in recent seasons, posting three straight campaigns with a PFF grade below 61.5. At 28 and set to become a free agent next year, Payne’s performance relative to his hefty contract remains a focal point for the Commanders as they pursue a more formidable defense.