When the Washington Commanders slapped defensive tackle Daron Payne with the franchise tag last month, most believed he’d play the 2023 season on the tag.
The Commanders shocked their fans on Sunday afternoon when news broke that Payne and Washington had agreed to terms on a new four-year deal worth $90 million, with $60 million guaranteed.
It was the richest deal ever for a defensive tackle not named Aaron Donald. The contract numbers also surpassed his Pro Bowl teammate and longtime friend, Jonathan Allen.
It was a good move for the Commanders for multiple reasons. They kept a bright young star, avoided the franchise tag and created some cap room for 2023.
How did others view the deal?
Let’s go to Twitter for some reactions to Payne’s new deal.
Daron Payne
Mood: 😁 pic.twitter.com/w0x7bJaLFs
— Daron Payne (@94yne) March 13, 2023
Ryan Fowler
Jon Allen, Terry McLaurin, now Daron Payne — Washington is *finally* doing business the right way.
Been a long time since DC had a core of young athletes in town to build around. Tip of the cap to Hurney/Mayhew up top.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) March 12, 2023
Al Galdi
The kind of player who a team should be willing to pay big money to is someone who is good, durable & young. Daron Payne checks all of those boxes. And the #Commanders astutely got this done before the market for interior defensive linemen truly takes off. Great job by Ron & co.
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) March 12, 2023
Matthew Paras
My take on Daron Payne's deal: A good value for both sides. Payne gets the money he wants and Washington gets to wreak havoc with Jon Allen and Payne under contract. Keeping both of them matters just as much IMO. The pass rush starts with them.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) March 12, 2023
Grant Paulsen
The Commanders saved over $9M on this year’s cap by signing Daron Payne to his mega-deal today. (Would’ve played on tag at $19M, will now get smaller number this year based on accounting).
Here is hoping they end up spending that money on adding talent in 2023.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 12, 2023
Matt Bowen
Contract extension for DT Daron Payne…
Pass rush production in ‘22 (11.5 sacks). Disruptive ability on the interior. Powerful mover — with lower body agility — at 6-foot-3, 320 pounds. #Commanders pic.twitter.com/ov7ejriZTM
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) March 12, 2023
Fan reactions
Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen for years to come & You have Phidarian Mathis coming back also off his injury so the DT’s are the strength of the team. https://t.co/uXn7iCmQRu
— Zac (@DCzWall) March 12, 2023
Daron Payne rolling up to the bank tomorrow morning pic.twitter.com/UFxzB1YreZ
— Not Robert Griffin (@Pseudo_RGIII) March 12, 2023
Yes the Daron Payne contract may not look amazing on paper and you may feel like we overpaid. On the other hand, huge names will be getting paid and some could be significantly more than Payne in the next year. Bottom line is we have our 2 best players on defense locked up. Solid
— Ryan Clary (@Ryanclary11) March 12, 2023
Well deserved, Daron payne. Congratulations on the deal, man.
Great job on getting the deal done, Coach Ron.
Lets go❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️#HTTC pic.twitter.com/PldCdV7fLZ
— Chris Bryant (@HogfarmerChris) March 12, 2023
RON DOES NOT PLAY AROUND WHEN IT COMES TO EXTENSIONS
•Terry McLaurin
•Jonathan Allen
•Daron PayneKAM CURL AND SWEAT, YALL NEXT UP pic.twitter.com/yWWpO9E5q1
— 𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗻 🪖 (@Howell2McLaurin) March 12, 2023
