Payne gets tagged

The Commanders on Tuesday made DT Daron Payne the first player to get the franchise tag in 2023. Payne demolished his previous high with 11.5 sacks in 2022 -- 6.5 more than he tallied as a 2018 rookie. Payne suggested a bump was coming, though. His QB hits climbed from 8 in 2020 to 15 in 2021 before a career-high 20 this past season. Payne also delivered his two largest tackle totals the past two years, though he didn't crack the top 12 among D-lineman in solos either year. We'd bet on some regression from his DL13 fantasy finish in 2022. Don't prioritize Payne for 2023 IDP leagues or as a dynasty target.

Washington DL Daron Payne is active for today's game against the Saints. He popped up on the Friday injury report with a toe issue that left him questionable, but Payne is available for IDP use.

Washington DL Daron Payne is questionable after apparently sustaining a toe injury in practice this week. Payne was not listed on the Wednesday or Thursday injury reports but missed Friday's workout. We'll check his status Sunday morning.

Washington DL Da'Ron Payne (ankle) is active for today's game against the Panthers. He hit the day questionable but is fine for planned IDP usage. He's a low-level fantasy option, though.

Washington spent the 13th pick of the NFL Draft on DT Da'Ron Payne. He joins a D-line that added Alabama's Jonathan Allen in last year's draft. Washington sports a nice front 7 that could lead a defensive turnaround. Payne -- after tallying 3 total sacks across 3 college season -- isn't likely to make an IDP impact, though.