The Washington Commanders shocked fans and those who cover the team last Sunday when the news broke they extended defensive tackle Daron Payne. The terms of the deal were even more surprising as Payne landed a four-year deal worth up to $90 million with $60 million guaranteed.
That was the second-largest contract ever given to a defensive tackle — behind Aaron Donald.
Payne deserved the contract. That wasn’t the issue. Most were surprised, considering Washington’s current ownership situation. Most expected Payne to play the 2023 season on the franchise tag, which would have been just under $19 million. Signing the new four-year agreement almost cut Payne’s salary in half for 2023, allowing the Commanders to spend more in free agency.
Thus far, in addition to re-signing Payne and several other lesser free agents, the Commanders have brought in quarterback Jacoby Brissett, offensive linemen Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie, linebacker Cody Barton and defensive tackle Abdullah Anderson from the outside. Washington claimed cornerback Cameron Dantzler off waivers from the Vikings.
With all of those moves, how much cap space do the Commanders have remaining?
According to Over the Cap, Washington currently has $3.72 million in remaining cap space. Don’t panic. There are multiple ways the Commanders can create more space. And they’ll need to in order to sign their rookie class.
Center Chase Roullier still has a high cap number. There’s literally no chance he carries his $12.4 million cap hit into the 2023 season. Washington would like Roullier back, but it would need to be at a reduced cost due to him missing most of the last two seasons combined.
There are other contacts Washington can be creative with. The franchise doesn’t like to push a lot of money into the future, always keeping in mind players they’d love to extend, such as safety Kamren Curl and defensive end Montez Sweat.
Don’t be surprised if we start seeing the Commanders make some moves to help them gain some additional cap space soon.
