Report: Commanders' Daron Payne Walks Off Practice Field over Contract Dispute

According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, Daron Payne walked off the practice field because of his contract situation.

Payne was present at the start of the workouts, but he moved to the side field and skipped team drills despite not having a physical injury. He was still involved in other team activities.

Nicki Jhabvala @NickiJhabvala

RE: Washington DT Daron Payne, I was told he did attend team meetings after practice, and did attend most of phase two, taking part in weight-room workouts and more.

After the team picked up his fifth-year option, the first-round draft pick is heading into the final season of his rookies contract. Standig reported last month that the Commanders don't plan to offer him an extension and have made him available in trades.

Payne has appeared in 64 of 65 possible regular-season games in his NFL career and started all 17 games in 2021, setting a career high with 61 tackles. He was second on the team with 15 quarterback hits.

He played 75.6% of the defensive snaps last season and ranked fifth on the team.

Despite the production, Payne could struggle to get a new deal with the Commanders because of their other options. Chase Young and Montez Sweat are both scheduled to make over $10 million in 2023, while Jonathan Allen signed a four-year, $72 million extension last summer.

Payne has an $8.5 million salary in 2022, but there won't be room in the salary cap to keep him under contract beyond this season.

Washington used its second-round draft pick on Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, giving it a chance to replace Payne.

It could signal a split in the near future with Payne unhappy with his current situation.