The Washington Commanders won’t let defensive tackle Daron Payne walk out the door this offseason. According to multiple reports, the Commanders will place a franchise tag on Payne, ensuring they have the Pro Bowler on their roster for at least one more year.
Payne and the Commanders couldn’t agree on a contract extension last offseason, leading the 2018’s first-round pick to play out the final year of his rookie contract. If he ends up staying on the franchise, the Alabama product will earn approximately $18.9 million in the 2023 season.
Payne was expected to draw significant interest in the offseason, being considered one of the best free agents to enter the market. He is coming off a breakthrough season in which he was a building block in one of the league’s best defenses and finished the campaign with career-high 64 tackles and 11.5 sacks.
It is unclear whether Payne has a long-term future in Washington. He is likely looking to get a top contract for his position, but the Commanders don’t seem in a position to give him that. They already have a lot of money tied up in two-time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen, who is entering the second year of the four-year, $72 million extension he signed back in 2021.
There is a possibility that the Commanders trade Payne later in the season to a team that could afford him. If that ends up being the option the franchise take, they are expected to extract at least one first-round selection.
