Reports: Commanders expected to tag DT Daron Payne

The Washington Commanders likely will use their franchise tag on Pro Bowl defensive tackle Daron Payne to keep him from hitting free agency, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.

The franchise tag window opened Tuesday and runs through March 7. Should Payne be tagged, he would play on a one-year contract set at $18.94 million for defensive tackles.

Payne, an Alabama product, was taken by Washington with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. In five seasons, the 25-year-old has played in 81 games (75 starts), compiling 291 tackles (40 for loss), 55 quarterback hits, 26 sacks, 14 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and a safety.

He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2022 with 64 tackles (18 for loss), 20 QB hits, 11.5 sacks, five passes defensed and a fumble recovery.

The Commanders' defense was third in the NFL in yards allowed last season.

Under the franchise tag, NFL teams and tagged players have until mid-July to negotiate a long-term deal.