Commanders DT Daron Payne first to get franchise tag this offseason

The Washington Commanders positioned the franchise tag on defensive sort out Daron Payne on Tuesday, making him the primary participant this offseason to obtain the designation.

At the top of the 2022 season, Payne’s four-year contract with the Commanders expired. The franchise tag is a one-year contract each NFL workforce is allowed to make use of as soon as per offseason. It permits a workforce to retain a participant who’s an unrestricted free agent on a assured take care of a non-negotiated wage. Payne’s tag, price $18.9 million, is a non-exclusive tag, which means that different groups can nonetheless discuss with him. The Commanders have till July 17 to barter a long-term contract with Payne earlier than talks drop off till after the 2023 season. Payne got here in at No. 3 in FOX Sports’ high 50 free company rankings.

The 2022 NFL Pro-Bowl participant set profession highs with 64 tackles, 5 move deflections and 11.5 sacks this previous season. Only Kansas City’s Chris Jones and the New York Jets’ Quinnen Williams recorded increased sack totals.

Washington chosen the 25-year-old Payne out of Alabama at No. 13 total within the 2018 NFL Draft. At Alabama, Payne performed in three straight nationwide title video games. He gained a title in 2017 and was each the nationwide championship and Sugar Bowl defensive MVP. With Washington in 2018, Payne was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team. 

The Commanders have 20 gamers, together with Payne, hitting free company this offseason. Washington has six draft picks in 2023, together with a first-round choice at No. 16. The workforce will look to fill wants at quarterback — the Commanders launched Carson Wentz on Monday — offensive sort out and cornerback. 

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