Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne was the first player to be franchise tagged in 2023, and he’s now the first of that group to come to a new deal.
Washington is signing Payne to a four-year, $90 million contract with a $28 million signing bonus, $45 million fully guaranteed and $60 million in total guarantees, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday, per sources.
The mega deal makes Payne the second-highest paid interior lineman in total value behind only Aaron Donald, per Over The Cap; a price point that matches his stellar output during a contract year.
After having his fifth-year option exercised by the club ahead of the 2022 season rather than agreeing to an extension, Payne carried on to make his first Pro Bowl and set career highs aplenty. He posted 11.5 sacks, fourth-most among interior DLs, after accumulating 14.5 in his previous four campaigns.
His tackles (64), tackles for loss (18), quarterback hits (20) and pass deflections (five) were also career-best marks.
Besides being a continued menace alongside fellow Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen, Payne signing a long-term deal projects to provide Washington durability at the position.
Entering his age-26 season, Payne has played in 81 of 82 possible games since joining the Commanders as the No. 13 overall pick in 2018.
He’s proven dominant on the field, he’s been available to exert that dominance for 55 games straight, and now the Commanders have him locked up for another four years.