Washington Commanders And Daron Payne Agree To $90M, Four-Year Contract, Making Him Second-Highest Paid Defensive Tackle In NFL

Photo: Instagram/Daron Payne

According to a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday, the Washington Commanders and defensive tackle Daron Payne have agreed to a four-year, $90 million contract, with $60 million in guarantees.

Payne was previously tagged with the franchise tag by the Commanders, making this deal a long-term one.

The contract makes Payne the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL after Aaron Donald.

Photo: Instagram/Daron Payne 

Payne, who was selected by the Commanders with the No. 13 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, reached his first career Pro Bowl after last season, his fifth in the NFL.

Prior to last season, the Commanders exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.

Payne's new contract will pay him an average of $22.5 million over four seasons, which is significantly higher than the $18.94 million he would have earned in 2023 had he played under the franchise tag.

The Commanders' defensive line, anchored by Payne, is considered a strength of the team.

Payne led the team with a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2022, along with 18 tackles for loss, five passes defensed, a fumble recovery, and a safety.

In addition to Payne, the Commanders also have fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, edge rushers Montez Sweat, and Chase Young.

When healthy, Young has shown the potential to be an elite backfield disruptor, earning Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl honors in 2020.

The Commanders continue to invest in their defensive line, which is one of the most imposing in the NFL.

Allen and Payne both made the Pro Bowl last season, while Sweat has recorded eight sacks in each of the past two seasons.

With Young returning to full health, the Commanders' defensive line could be even more dominant in the coming years.

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Source: Yahoo Sports