Report: Commanders, Payne agree to 4-year, $90M deal
The Washington Commanders and franchise-tagged defensive tackle Daron Payne reached an agreement on a four-year, $90-million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The reported deal makes Payne the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history behind Aaron Donald, who easily tops his position with a $31.67 million average annual salary, according to Spotrac.
| DT | Team | Annual salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron Donald | Rams | $31.7M |
| 2 | Daron Payne | Commanders | $22.5M |
| 3 | DeForest Buckner | Colts | $21M |
| 4 | Chris Jones | Chiefs | $20M |
| 5 | Jonathan Allen | Commanders | $18M |
The Commanders tagged Payne on Feb. 28 after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a long-term extension. The franchise tender for defensive tackles in 2023 is worth $18.9 million.
Payne, a first-round pick in 2018, earned his first Pro Bowl berth last season after racking up a career-high 11.5 sacks. The 25-year-old, who's started every game for Washington over the last three years, also amassed 64 tackles (18 for loss) and 20 quarterback hits in 2022.
With Payne and Jonathan Allen, the Commanders boast one of the NFL's premier defensive lines, featuring four former first-round picks. Washington also rosters pass-rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat, among others.