Per a tweet from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Pro Bowl defensive tackle Daron Payne will sign a long-term extension with the Washington Commanders, agreeing on a four-year, $90 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed. The deal makes Oayne the second-highest paid defensive tackle in NFL history (behind Aaron Donald). Payne made $8.5 million last season after the team picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
The defensive tackle is coming off the best season of his NFL career, starting all 17 games for the Commanders. Payne posted career-best marks in tackles (64), tackles for loss (18), quarterback hits (20), sacks (11.5) and pass breakups (five), making his first career Pro Bowl appearance. Since Washington selected him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he has missed just one game in five seasons with the Commanders, appearing in 81 games with 75 starts over that span.
Commanders coach Ron Rivera said earlier in the month that the organization was committed to keeping Payne: “There are a lot of things we need to do, as far as our team is concerned… It’s showing the commitment to try and get (Payne) signed and keep him here. The guy has been integral in the development into this football team and this defense as well as the other guys he plays alongside with. We wanted to make sure everyone understood we are serious.”
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