The Washington Commanders and Pro Bowler Daron Payne have reportedly begun negotiations on a contract extension while a top star from a rival team openly hopes for the impending free agent to join his squad.
In the offseason, the Washington Commanders rolled the dice and let 2018 first-round pick Daron Payne play out the final year of his contract instead of offering him a long-term extension. the move was understandable after he had not reached the lofty hopes they had for him when they took him with the 13th overall pick five years ago.
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However, as players often do, the defensive tackle had a career year just in time for a potential jump into NFL free agency in the spring. Hitting career highs in sacks, tackles, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits in 2022-2023.
It should come as no surprise then that Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera revealed to ESPN this week that the team is in negotiations with the 25-year-old on a new long-term pact. A potential deal could require a $20 million annual rate to keep Daron Payne, however, the Commanders could also franchise tag the tackle, which would cost them $18 million in 2023.
Micah Parsons would love to see Washington Commanders star in Dallas
While the Washington Commanders look to lock up Daron Payne to a long-term deal, it seems that a superstar from division rivals the Dallas Cowboys would love to see the tackle in Texas next season.
- Daron Payne stats (’22-’23): 11.5 sacks, 64 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits
This week while speaking with Pro Football Talk during a round of interviews on media row during Super Bowl LVII week, two-time Pro Bowler Micah Parsons was asked about improvements Dallas could make ahead of next season. And without hesitation, Parsons proclaimed his desire to team up with Payne in the Cowboys front seven in 2023.
The move is a major long shot for the Dallas Cowboys. However, if the Washington Commanders are unsure they can sign Payne to a multi-year deal, they could use their franchise tag and then try to trade him to Dallas in the offseason. But trading a talent like Payne to a rival is unrealistic as well.