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Washington Commanders' star defensive tackle Daron Payne and his playing future was uncertain till just a few weeks ago. Thought to be a key pillar of Jack Del Rio's defense, the consensus was that the Commanders couldn't afford to lose him.
Well...they didn't!
After putting the franchise tag on Payne weeks ago, the Commanders have moved swiftly to secure the services of their best defensive player. Payne has signed a four-year, $90 million deal that has a whopping $60 million guaranteed.
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With Payne's future locked away, one of the Commanders' best pieces on either side of the football is locked away for the next four years. Head coach Ron Rivera can now look at the teams' other needs as free agency approaches.
Breakdown of Daron Payne's new Commanders deal
The 25-year-old is entering the prime of his NFL career and Washington will have a front-row seat to his development.
The four-year deal is a due reward for his outstanding 2022 season. With $90 million over the duration of the contract, only Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald is a higher-paid defensive tackle than Payne.
With Daron Payne's new contract, per spotrac.com, he will have an annual salary of $22.5 million, which puts him near the top of the highest-paid at his position.
Initially, franchise-tagged, Payne's future with the organization was thought to be in limbo. But with a new long-term contract signed, Washington has one of its best players for the foreseeable future.
Having been close to securing a playoff spot, keeping hold of its star players was pivotal for Washington. Now, the first domino for the franchise has fallen the right way.
Tracing Daron Payne's NFL career stats
The 25-year-old had a career-best year in 2022, notching 11.5 sacks which beat his previous best of five in his rookie season in 2018.
In total, Payne has played 81 games for Washington and has 26 sacks to his name. Initially a slow burn, last year, his stock took off as he was playing for a big payday, which has now come.
Such was Payne's output last year, he was rewarded with his first Pro Bowl nod in what was a due reward for a special season.
