The Washington Commanders’ new contract with defensive tackle Daron Payne was beneficial for many reasons. No. 1, Washington locks up one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL for four more seasons, ensuring that Payne and fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen will continue to wreak havoc for the foreseeable future.
Another added benefit for the Commanders was that it freed up cap space for 2023. And with free agency set to begin this week, the timing couldn’t be better.
Payne’s contract is for four years and $90 million, with $60 million guaranteed. If he played on the franchise tag, Payne was set to count $18.9 against the salary cap. According to Pro Football Talk, under Payne’s new deal, he’ll count somewhere in the neighborhood of $9 million against the 2023 salary cap.
Daron Payne deal creates more than $9.4 million in extra 2023 cap space for the Commanders. Are they setting things up for a run at a certain franchise-tagged quarterback? 🧐🤔🫠https://t.co/kKQI7QvzgF
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 12, 2023
Now, will Washington spend in free agency? The Commanders aren’t likely to make any huge moves, but adding some help on the offensive line would be wise. With over $24 million in projected cap space, they have the ability to make some moves.
