Daron Payne, a defensive tackle for the Commanders, was the first player to be assigned to a franchise in 2023, and he is now the first of that group to sign a new contract.
According to sources, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Washington has signed Payne to a four-year, $90 million contract with a $28 million signing bonus, $45 million fully guaranteed, and $60 million in total guarantees.
The mega deal makes Payne the second-most generously compensated inside lineman in all out esteem behind just Aaron Donald, per Over The Cap; a cost that is comparable to his outstanding output during the contract year.
Payne went on to make his first Pro Bowl and set numerous career highs despite the club exercising his fifth-year option prior to the 2022 season rather than agreeing to an extension. He had 14.5 sacks in his previous four seasons, ranking fourth among interior defensive linemen.
His career bests included 64 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, and 5 pass deflections.
Payne’s signing a long-term contract promises to provide Washington with durability at the position, in addition to being a persistent threat alongside fellow Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen.
Since joining the Commanders as the No. 1 player, Payne has participated in 81 of 82 possible games entering his 26th season. 13th pick overall in 2018
The Commanders have locked him up for an additional four years after he demonstrated dominance on the field and was available to do so for 55 games in a row.
