Bears free-agent target Daron Payne gets franchise tag from Commanders

So much for the Chicago Bears adding Washington Commanders star defensive lineman Daron Payne this offseason. The Commanders have placed the franchise tag on Payne, all but erasing him from the 2023 free-agent market.

We have applied the franchise tag to DT Daron Payne

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 28, 2023

The Chicago Bears are entering free agency with the most money to spend, and Payne was long considered a target to get the biggest payday from GM Ryan Poles. His standing as one of the NFL’s best young interior defensive linemen matched perfectly with one of the Bears’ biggest needs: a three technique in coach Matt Eberflus’ defense.

Washington DT Daron Payne became the first player this off-season to receive the franchise tag, per sources. The franchise tag for Payne is projected to be $18.937 million. Washington placed the tag on Payne early this morning. pic.twitter.com/cmbeaRciig

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2023

Payne, 25, finished the 2022 season with 64 tackles and 11.5 sacks.

With Daron Payne off the market, the Chicago Bears will likely turn their attention to Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman, Javon Hargrave.

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