With the NFL’s franchise tag deadline roughly a week away, Tuesday saw the first domino fall.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Washington Commanders applied the franchise tag to 25-year-old DT Daron Payne. Based on the average top-five salary of interior DL players, Payne will now make roughly $18.9 million in 2023. After a season where the bright young player recorded 11.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, and 18 tackles-for-loss, Payne will spend at least another year in Washington.
Aside from continuing to wreak havoc with Jonathan Allen up front, Payne’s absence from the 2023 NFL free agent market leaves behind a massive gap. He was arguably the best DT available, but prospective teams now must look elsewhere.
This is, of course, great news for players who will likely hit the open market, as they’ll probably sign lucrative contracts. Let’s look at a few remaining names, including a cornerstone for the defending NFC champions.