The Chicago Bears have plenty of needs to address this offseason, most notably the defensive line. There are some intriguing names set to hit free agency next month. But it sounds like one top option will soon be off the market.
The Washington Commanders are expected to franchise tag Pro Bowl defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne, according to The Athletic. The deadline for teams to apply the franchise tag runs through March 7. The franchise tender for defensive tackles is worth $18.937 million.
Payne, 25, is coming off a career year, where he posted 11.5 sacks and 64 combined tackles last season. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod after anchoring a solid Commanders defense.
With one of the top defensive tackle targets soon to be off the board, there are some other intriguing options in free agency. That includes Philadelphia’s Javon Hargrave, Denver’s Dre’Mont Jones and Minnesota’s Dalvin Tomlinson.
