Commanders, Daron Payne Agree to Four-Year, $90 Million Deal, per Reports

Washington has locked up a key cog in the middle of their defense ahead of free agency.

The Commanders and defensive tackle Daron Payne have agreed to a four-year, $90 million contract extension ahead of the start of free agency this week, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that Payne’s deal includes $60 million guaranteed, and made the Commanders’ defensive tackle the second-highest paid defensive tackle in NFL history behind Aaron Donald.

Payne, 25, was one of Washington’s top priorities heading into free agency, as the star defensive tackle was slated to hit the open market. While many expected the Commanders to make a strong push to keep Payne, there would have been several suitors if he made it to free agency this week without a new deal.

The former No. 13 overall pick has proven to be one of the best defensive linemen in the NFC East. Over five seasons in Washington, Payne has made 291 total tackles, including 40 for loss. 

He also has 26.0 career sacks, and set a career-high last season with 11.5 sacks in a breakout season with the Commanders in which he earned his first Pro Bowl appearance.