The Washington Commanders are in a unique position ahead of this year’s NFL trade deadline. The trade deadline is two weeks away, but teams have already made multiple moves. On Tuesday, the Colts traded eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seahawks and three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the 49ers.

Since the calendar flipped to October, the Steelers traded disgruntled cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Cowboys, the Eagles traded guard/center Cam Jurgens to the Ravens and the Cardinals traded wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans.

Washington’s position is interesting because it’s 1-4-1. That suggests a seller’s mindset. But the Commanders’ division, the NFC East, stinks. The Giants sit atop the division at 5-2-1, but they’re far from a juggernaut. In a few weeks, Washington faces New York again after the two teams tied in Week 5.

Should the Commanders stand pat and go for it, add a piece, or trade anyone with value?

Most fans would love to see Washington trade away several veterans and load up on much-needed draft picks over the next couple of years. Perhaps the Commanders’ most intriguing trade possibility is defensive tackle Daron Payne.

Washington’s first-round pick in 2018 is in his ninth NFL season, is still only 29, and has missed just three games in his NFL career. This past offseason, the Commanders showed no urgency to negotiate an extension with Payne and were content to let him play out the remainder of his deal.

Jared Dubin of CBS Sports recently named Payne as one of his top 25 trade candidates.

The Commanders are going nowhere and Daron Payne is in the final year of his contract. His $16.4 million base salary is high but not prohibitive to a trade. He's still a quality run defender, even if he doesn't give you that much in the way of pass-rush juice these days. The Commies would be wise to get something for him before he leaves in free agency next offseason.

Regardless of whether Washington wins its next two games, if it has decided Payne is no longer part of its future, it’s time to trade him. The Commanders could use any and all draft capital in what’s expected to be a solid 2027 NFL Draft.