The Washington Commanders affixed the franchise player tag to defensive tackle Daron Payne on Tuesday, making him the first NFL offseason player to receive the status.
If Payne agrees to play under this label, he will receive a salary of $18.937 million. However, Washington has reportedly already begun discussions to reach a long-term deal with the 13th overall pick in the 2018 draft.
In 2022, Payne had a career-high 11.5 quarterback sacks. It was only three less than the cumulative of his first four seasons.
He also finished eighth in the NFL – and second among defensive tackles – with 21 tackles for a loss.
Payne made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career last month.
