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The Washington Commanders have an important season ahead in 2023. Not only is this a critical year for head coach Ron Rivera, but new ownership is also coming at any time.
Additionally, the Commanders have several significant players slated for free agency in 2024. Defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young, safety Kamren Curl, wide receiver Curtis Samuel and running back Antonio Gibson are Washington’s most prominent free agents.
Some will be retained. It’s likely that only Washington can afford to sign one of Sweat and Young, and much of what happens in 2023 will likely determine which player the Commanders choose to keep past this season.
On day two of Washington’s minicamp, Sweat, who, along with Young, skipped the voluntary OTAs, talked to the media Wednesday and said defensive tackle Daron Payne laid the blueprint on how to get paid.
“Oh yeah, for sure, he definitely laid the blueprint on how to get your bag,” Sweat said when asked if Payne’s situation served as a motivator. “So, I mean, salute to him.”
Montez Sweat is using Daron Payne’s new contract as motivation to get a new deal. @wusa9 #HTTC
“He laid the blueprint on how to bet your bag” 💰 pic.twitter.com/sIBeSqrwhJ
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) June 7, 2023
Payne set new career highs in sacks, tackles and tackles for loss in 2022, tying Dave Butz’s franchise record for single-season sacks by an interior defensive lineman. He also earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
Sweat is playing on his fifth-year option in 2023 and has 29 career sacks. His career high is nine sacks, which he reached in 2020. Sweat had eight sacks in 2022.