Daron Payne, the Washington Commanders' veteran defensive lineman, is set to tackle a unique challenge this season. After a breakout year in 2022 and receiving a lucrative contract extension, Payne now faces his first season as the team's senior defensive lineman without his longtime teammate, Jonathan Allen, who was released earlier this offseason due to salary cap constraints. As the most experienced player on the defensive front, along with punter Tress Way, Payne has taken on a leadership role, a transition that defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and head coach Dan Quinn both acknowledge.

Payne's performance has fluctuated since signing his extension, and his new responsibilities may influence his game both positively and negatively. His ability to adapt and lead the defensive line could be crucial for the Commanders this season. Without Allen, Payne's effectiveness as a leader and player will be put to the test as he looks to maintain his production while shepherding younger teammates.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the future of Shedeur Sanders, Colorado's standout quarterback, remains uncertain. With potential to be a top-three pick, he could also drop past the top ten. The Pittsburgh Steelers, picking at 21, have shown interest, with coach Mike Tomlin reportedly being a fan. Sanders, who visited the Steelers recently, expressed admiration for both the team and Tomlin's coaching style. However, moving up to secure Sanders may prove challenging, especially if other teams, like the New York Giants, make early selections.

If Sanders slips past the top ten, the Steelers may capitalize, as their immediate competition for a quarterback in the draft is limited. Drawing parallels to the 2004 draft, where the Steelers successfully selected Ben Roethlisberger, they hope for a similar outcome with Sanders. Yet, the possibility of acquiring a veteran quarterback like Aaron Rodgers remains a wild card, complicating their draft strategy.

The NFL quarterback landscape is shifting as several veteran quarterbacks have found new homes, including Joe Flacco returning to the Cleveland Browns, Drew Lock rejoining the Seattle Seahawks, and Josh Johnson returning for his 18th season with the Washington Commanders. This movement leaves a few key QB slots still open as the upcoming draft looms, with notable names like Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz, Teddy Bridgewater, and Tyler Huntley still looking for teams. As the free agent market continues to get reshuffled, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings are eyeing potential fits for their rosters.

Rodgers, a perennial Pro Bowler, is at a crossroads, weighing whether to continue his illustrious career or retire. Meanwhile, Tannehill seeks employment after a season off, and Wentz looks to rebound from an uninspiring backup role. With the draft approaching, the situation presents a unique opportunity for teams to recalibrate their quarterback depth charts.