On a quiet Sunday just ahead of the new NFL league year, the Washington Commanders made a big move. The Commanders agreed to terms with defensive tackle Daron Payne on a four-year deal worth $90 million, with $60 million guaranteed.
What’s this mean for Washington?
First, the Commanders keep one of their best players around for the foreseeable future. Payne enjoyed a breakout season in 2022 and has only missed one career game in five NFL seasons. And, he’s just 25 years old.
It continues the trend under head coach Ron Rivera of locking up cornerstone players drafted by Washington. In July 2021, it was defensive tackle Jonathan Allen who signed a four-year extension. Last summer, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin inked a three-year extension.
As for which homegrown players Washington may look to extend next, that discussion begins with safety Kamren Curl and defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young. All three are eligible for extensions, but the Commanders will need to make a decision on Young’s rookie fifth-year option after the draft.
As for Payne’s impact on the field. If we go by the 2022 season, it’s massive. Payne and Allen combined to make life miserable for the opposition. The strength of Washington’s team is in the defensive line, so it was smart to keep that core together.
Some will say it’s not a wise investment to pay two defensive tackles, but does it really matter if both are outstanding players?
Overall, this was a smart move by Washington. First, to keep a player out of free agency who would have had a robust market, and to lock in a core player and avoid the franchise tag dance.
Rivera and his staff deserve credit for getting this done.
