The Washington Commanders announced Tuesday they have placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Daron Payne.
Coming off a breakout fifth year with Washington, Payne had 11.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, five deflected passes and 64 tackles (32 solo), including 18 for loss, – all of which were career highs – in 17 games. He earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time in 2022.
If Payne accepts the tag, he will have a salary cap figure of $18.9 million for the 2023 season. That figure will become fully guaranteed when Payne signs, but it is unclear if he will play on the tag. The Commanders have until July 15 to sign Payne to a long-term deal and avoid any potential holdout.
The Commanders announced yesterday they released quarterback Carson Wentz and defensive back Bobby McCain, moves which created nearly $30 million in cap space.
The Washington Post reported the Commanders placed the nonexclusive tag on the defensive tackle. This means Payne can now negotiate with other teams, but Washington has the ability to match. And, of course, if he signs elsewhere and Washington doesn’t match, the Commanders will receive two first-round draft picks, which all but guarantees another team will not attempt to sign Payne.
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Payne forms a formidable duo in the middle of Washington's defense with two-time Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen, who signed a four-year, $72 million extension ($35.6 million guaranteed) during the 2021 offseason. That contract could be a benchmark for Payne in any negotiations on a long-term deal.
Washington selected Payne with the No. 13 pick in the 2018 NFL draft after he played three seasons at Alabama. In 81 NFL games, he has tallied 291 tackles (161 solo) with 40 going for a loss, 26 sacks, 55 QB hits, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 14 pass deflections.
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