The Washington Commanders have a big-time decision to make regarding their big-time defensive tackle Daron Payne.
Payne, drafted by Washington with the 13th overall selection in the 2018 NFL draft has made it clear he wants to get paid what he feels he is due.
Playing in 81 career games in his five seasons, Payne has rushed the passer well from the inside, collecting 26 sacks. This past 2022 season, the former Alabama Crimson Tide tackle had a huge increase in two defensive statistics. Payne collected 18 tackles for a loss, when his previous high had been 7 in 2020. He also accomplished 20 QB hits when he had best collected 15 the previous season.
So, Payne is ready to be paid. It is not a simplistic yes or no for the Commanders. For now, it seems the Commanders have four options. 1) Sign Payne to a long-term deal such as they did with fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, 2) Franchise tag Payne, keeping him for another season, 3) Franchise tag Payne and trade him, 4) Permit Payne to walk via unrestricted free agency.
If the fourth option is taken, the best return the Commanders would likely receive in compensation is a third-round draft choice at the end of the third round in the 2024 draft.
The third option is one where the Commanders could actually receive the most compensation in return. But then again, head coach Ron Rivera is not guaranteed a 2024 season. Thus, the temptation for Rivera might be to make a decision that is best for the team this 2023 season, not necessarily what is best for 2024 and beyond.
The first option is the most unlikely, simply because the Commanders are not going to be able to sign Allen, Payne, Montez Sweat and Chase Young all to long-term deals.
The Commanders need to capitalize on Payne’s value. With the season he had in 2022, his value may never be higher in the NFL. Which reminds many of us of Kirk Cousins’ value and the offer Bruce Allen had for Cousins from the 49ers. Allen was stubborn, dug in, and absolutely blew it as a personnel executive.
Cousins walked, and Washington has not had a winning season since Cousins was behind center in the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
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