Daron Payne franchise tag: How does Commanders' 2023 cap space look after locking in DT

Early Tuesday morning, the Washington Commanders placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Daron Payne. He was expected to get tagged this offseason and became the first player this off-season to receive the tag.

Payne was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 2018 with their first-round pick. He signed a four-year, $14.4 million rookie contract after being drafted.

Each season, he's shown productivity and has been impactful on Washington's defensive line. As a rookie, Payne recorded 56 tackles, five sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. In his sophomore season, he recorded 56 tackles and two sacks.

In 2020, he finished with 54 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception. In 2021, he recorded 61 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery.

The team decided to exercise the fifth-year option on Payne's contract on April 27, 2021, paying him $8.529 million for the 2022 season.

Payne recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks last season along with a career-high 64 tackles. In his career, he has started 75 career games and hasn't missed a game in the last three seasons.

If Payne plays on the tag, he is set to receive $18.937 million this season. Washington does have until July 17 to agree on a long-term deal with Payne.

How is Washington's cap space after franchise tagging Daron Payne?

Philadelphia Eagles v Washington Commanders

Following Payne's franchise tag, the Washington Commanders currently have $18.9 million heading into free agency. The team cut quarterback Carson Wentz and safety Bobby McCain yesterday, which cleared up about $30.6 million.

The two moves helped allow the Commanders to tag Payne. Payne will have the second-highest cap hit for the Commanders, behind defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, who will make $21.4 million this season.

Wide receiver Curtis Samuel will be right behind Payne, with the third-highest cap hit as he's due $13 million this season.

The Commanders still have a few weeks to renegotiate contracts with players to help create more cap space for this season. The team may even cut a few players if they can't restructure certain deals.

Payne has yet to sign his franchise tag, but there haven't been any reports thus far stating that he would refuse to play on the tag in 2023.