The Commanders prioritized a Terry McLaurin deal over Daron Payne‘s last year, but after the latter put together a strong contract slate, it does not look like he will be allowed to hit free agency.
Washington has two weeks to use its franchise tag, but the team is very likely to apply it to Payne. The Commanders are “99.9% likely” to cuff Payne with the tag, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes. The defensive tackle tag is one of the most expensive; this transaction would cost Washington $18.94MM. Only the quarterback, linebacker and defensive end tags are costlier.
Given the team’s talks with Payne ahead of the tag window opening, the sixth-year defensive tackle not being permitted to test the market appeared the likely outcome. Applying the tag would give the Commanders until July 15 to extend Payne. Absent an extension by that date (or Payne sitting out the season, an extreme measure that Washington D-lineman Sean Gilbert once pulled), the former first-round pick must play the 2023 season on the tag. Once Payne signs the franchise tender, that $18.94MM is locked in.
Ron Rivera confirmed Payne was a priority. After the season Payne put together, that certainly tracks. Payne, 25, broke through to lead the Commanders in sacks, totaling 11.5 — 3.5 more than anyone else on the team — and compiling 18 quarterback hits and 20 tackles for loss. Payne also recorded a safety last season; his sack total more than doubled any of his previous four seasons’ numbers. This gave the Alabama alum a bouncy springboard into free agency. If the Commanders do not follow through with a tag, Payne would be one of the best players available.
Washington already took care of Jonathan Allen, giving its 2017 first-round pick a four-year, $72MM extension back in 2021. Rostering two defensive tackles in that price range would stand out. Only two other teams — the Bengals and Colts — have two D-tackles earning north of $10MM per year on long-term deals. Then again, one of the Commanders’ rivals will face a similar decision soon. The Giants have Dexter Lawrence going into a contract year, set to command a deal north of Leonard Williams‘. The ex-Jet draftee’s $21MM-per-year pact is tied for second behind Aaron Donald‘s outlier $31.7MM-AAV extension. Lawrence’s camp will surely be monitoring how the Commanders handle Payne.
Cap space will need to be cleared in order for the Commanders to tag Payne; they currently hold just more than $8MM. The team can clear $26.2MM by releasing Carson Wentz. Considering the team’s Sam Howell starter push, that seems a near-certainty to occur soon. Washington is also not planning to devote many additional funds to its QB spot. The team does, however, have Montez Sweat and Chase Young eligible for extensions. Sweat will likely come first, given Young’s injury history and the fifth-year option allowing Washington to control the former Defensive Rookie of the Year through 2024. Sweat’s fifth-year option will cost $11.5MM this year.
Even with a rookie-QB pact on the payroll, it will be interesting to see how far the Commanders will go to fortify their longstanding D-line quartet. The team also used a second-round pick on D-tackle Phidarian Mathis last year. After Mathis’ Week 1 injury, however, Payne set himself up for a big payday.
As much as I’d love the Bears to sign him, I totally get why the Washington has to tag this guy. He’s a legit monster.
Probably willing to spend the money on him since Chase Young’s health has been such an issue. May not see themselves offering him big dough until he proves he can produce and stay healthy.
This is the problem with drafting too many people at the same position. Payne is a good player – but he isn’t as good as Jonathon Allen. Washington should use the non-exclusive tag and then hope someone else makes an offer so they can get the draft pick compensation.
Great idea in this case. I’d be sorry to see Payne go. The Redskins could try to make their best offer as well with guaranteed money. The Redskins should trade Chase Young and keep Payne, Allen and Sweat.
I hope the same Payne shows up next year, cause it’s been like night and day between this year and last… he was a total beast this year and raised his game up considerably… I hope the team can him can come up with a contract that works for everyone!