Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne will be staying in Washington.
Payne and the Commanders have agreed to a four-year contract worth $90 million, with $60 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
Payne was slated to become a free agent on Wednesday, but the Commanders placed the franchise tag on him, so he wasn’t going anywhere. Still, this is a very early signing that makes clear both sides were motivated to get something done.
The 25-year-old Payne arrived in Washington with the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He played out his five-year rookie contract and was chosen to the Pro Bowl in 2022, and now he’s received a big raise to start 2023.