In some surprising news Tuesday morning, Ben Standig of The Athletic reported the Washington Commanders are not expected to offer defensive tackle Daron Payne a contract extension.
This is surprising.
The Commanders allowed Tim Settle, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft to walk. Settle signed a modest two-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. Shortly thereafter, Washington released veteran defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis, who played 59% of the team’s defensive snaps in 2021.
Once a team strength, the defensive tackle position is now left with Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen and Payne — on the final year of his contract.
The Commanders have shown interest in Oklahoma defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, who is expected to be a second-round draft pick. Washington does not have a third-round or fifth-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft.
Other positions Washington would like to address are wide receiver, safety, linebacker and the offensive line. Now, the defensive tackle position has become a priority. With just six picks in the draft, Washington desperately needs to move back and acquire more selections.
Payne, the No. 13 overall player selected in the 2018 NFL draft, will play on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal at around $8.5 million in 2022.
