5 moves to save Adam Peters $43M on Commanders salary-cap in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders could restructure Daron Payne
- 2024 cap savings: $10.78 million
Daron Payne was given a mammoth contract extension after a career campaign in 2022. The formidable defensive tackle was a human-wrecking ball en route to his first Pro Bowl selection. Unfortunately, the former first-round pick out of Alabama was unable to replicate this exceptional production during the final season under Ron Rivera.
Payne wasn't alone in that regard, but he's held to a higher standard than most. He's a high-end draft pick. He's one of the team's highest-paid players. He's someone others look to for inspiration in times of struggle.
There were times when Payne stood out considerably. Others made some fans wonder why the Washington Commanders paid him so much. Hopefully, this regression was a blip rather than something more concerning.
Considering how the Commanders' new staff preached the importance of building through the trenches - with some praising Payne and Jonathan Allen specifically - he remains a core part of Washington's plans. That's why it might be worth Adam Peters exploring the prospect of a contract restructure to provide some additional financial flexibility.
If this scenario comes to fruition, which is entirely possible so early into Payne's contract, the Commanders could free up $10.78 million to spend elsewhere. Contract restructures can be detrimental in certain situations. That's not the case where the lineman is concerned.