New York Giants had interest in acquiring Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne before he suffered a season-ending injury, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Morning with @MikeGarafolo: The #Eagles
won’t trade Saquon Barkley; The #Commanders had real trade interest in Daron Payne before his injury; Who could be available on the #Jets? #Patriots WR AJ Brown is out with a lingering knee issue. pic.twitter.com/tLmxPb9qjf— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2026
“He was the subject of trade talks,” Rapoport said. “In fact, we’re told the Giants had interest in Daron Payne -- a possible intra-division trade. We will never know whether or not that was actually going to happen.”
Payne, a 29-year-old former first-round pick in the final year of his contract,
fractured his foot during Friday’s practice. The Jones fracture requires surgery and will sideline him for the remainder of the season, ending any possibility of a midseason trade.
The Commanders, sitting at 2-4-1, had been linked to moving Payne ahead of the November 10 deadline, with ESPN previously assigning a 25 percent chance and listing the Giants among potential fits.
The interest aligns with New York’s broader search for defensive tackle help. After trading Dexter Lawrence earlier this year, the Giants have relied on veterans such as D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris while seeking upgrades. Head coach John Harbaugh even contacted Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk in an attempt to land Jeffery Simmons before he was dealt to the Bears.
With the Giants leading the NFC East and the deadline approaching, interior line depth remains a priority.
Intra-division trades are uncommon, and Payne’s injury now shifts focus elsewhere for both clubs as free agency looms for the veteran.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Report: Giants had interest in Daron Payne before season-ending injury
