Daron Payne has officially reset the defensive tackle market, as Washington leaders sign him to a lucrative contract extension.
The free agency negotiation window officially opens on Monday, March 13th. However, there are still deals being done, and they arrived in a surprising flurry on Sunday. Most notable was cornerback Jalen Ramsey being traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Miami Dolphins. Later that same day, the Washington Chiefs signed one of their key defensive players to a long-term contract.
Defensive tackle Daron Payne was not slated to hit free agency, as the Chiefs placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him. That means he was under contract for $18.9 million for the 2023 season, but other teams could send in an offer.
The leaders will not have to worry about this, having agreed with Payne the terms of a lucrative contract extension.
Daron Payne Contract Details: The Defensive Tackle Market Has Officially Reset by Leaders
According to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Captains and Payne have agreed to terms on a four-year contract, which will pay him a total of $90 million. $60 million deal guaranteed.
Sources: Washington franchise player Daron Payne became the highest-paid DT in NFL history not named Aaron Donald, and today he reached agreement on a four-year, $90 million deal that includes a $60 million guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/ZJsM2xnaSp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2023
As Shifter points out, Payne is now the second-highest paid defensive tackle behind Rams star Aaron Donald, who made $95 million through the 2024 season.
With this news, defensive tackles quickly hitting free agency should be bubbling, as Payne has officially re-entered the market. As the 33rd’s Ari Mirov points out, the defensive tackles deserving of a new contract include Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs, Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants, Jeffrey Simmons of the Tennessee Titans, Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets, and Kristian Williams. Wilkins of Dolphins. Not to mention, Javon Hargrave of the Philadelphia Eagles is set to be the best defensive tackle in free agency at the start of the 2023 league year.
The DT market will see a *significant* increase in paying this season:
Javon Hargrave will be the FA. Daron Payne just got 4 years, $90 million.
Plus… KC’s Chris Jones, NYG’s Dexter Lawrence, TEN’s Jeffery Simmons, NY’s Quinnen Williams, and MIA’s Christian Wilkins are all poised for new deals. 💰💰
– Ari Mirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 12, 2023
Last season, Payne recorded 64 combined tackles (32 solo, 32 assists), 20 quarterback strikes, 18 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, five passes defensed and one fumble recovery. Payne was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time this season, replacing Donald.
The Chiefs ensured they had a definite line of defense for the foreseeable future by keeping Payne under contract for the next four years. Now, other inside defensive linemen who are set to a new contract will be looking to try to land a similar deal as Payne.
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