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What plans do the Washington Commanders have for DJ Davidson? The 26-year-old, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of Arizona State, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Giants before becoming a free agent. Earlier this offseason, Davidson was determined to sign with the Commanders in free agency.
What were the Commanders thinking in pursuing Davidson? Defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne both return. However, Kinlaw will be 29 in October, and his defensive numbers didn't exactly impress. Then there is defensive tackle Daron Payne. Drafted in the first round by the Redskins in the 2018 draft. Payne was thought to be a high-profile pick out of Alabama in 2018.
Payne hasn't exactly dazzled and impressed NFL observers. He had his best season by far when he was playing for his second contract. In that 2022 season, Payne collected 11.5 quarterback sacks. Now, considering Payne's previous seasons, his sack totals were five, two, three, and 4.5. Where in the world did that 11.5 sack total come from in 2022? His seasons since have brought much more modest totals, with four, four, and three quarterback sacks.
Payne is currently in the last year of his contract, while Kinlaw is under contract through 2027. GM Adam Peters signed two veteran defensive tackles this offseason, former Redskins, Bills, and Texans DT Tim Settle and Davidson. Davidson will turn 27 in December and is listed at 320. He appeared in 47 career games with four starts, recording 49 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three passes defensed. His most active season came in 2025, when he logged 395 total snaps between defense and special teams. So, thus far, he has only been a depth piece.
It's worth mentioning Davidson and Jayden Daniels were teammates together at Arizona State for three seasons dating from 2019-2021. Did that have anything to do with leading the Commanders to sign Davidson?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Could D.J. Davidson make an impact in 2026?
Continue reading...
What were the Commanders thinking in pursuing Davidson? Defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne both return. However, Kinlaw will be 29 in October, and his defensive numbers didn't exactly impress. Then there is defensive tackle Daron Payne. Drafted in the first round by the Redskins in the 2018 draft. Payne was thought to be a high-profile pick out of Alabama in 2018.
Payne hasn't exactly dazzled and impressed NFL observers. He had his best season by far when he was playing for his second contract. In that 2022 season, Payne collected 11.5 quarterback sacks. Now, considering Payne's previous seasons, his sack totals were five, two, three, and 4.5. Where in the world did that 11.5 sack total come from in 2022? His seasons since have brought much more modest totals, with four, four, and three quarterback sacks.
Payne is currently in the last year of his contract, while Kinlaw is under contract through 2027. GM Adam Peters signed two veteran defensive tackles this offseason, former Redskins, Bills, and Texans DT Tim Settle and Davidson. Davidson will turn 27 in December and is listed at 320. He appeared in 47 career games with four starts, recording 49 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three passes defensed. His most active season came in 2025, when he logged 395 total snaps between defense and special teams. So, thus far, he has only been a depth piece.
It's worth mentioning Davidson and Jayden Daniels were teammates together at Arizona State for three seasons dating from 2019-2021. Did that have anything to do with leading the Commanders to sign Davidson?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Could D.J. Davidson make an impact in 2026?
Continue reading...
