The Washington Commanders placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Daron Payne on Tuesday, making Payne the first player to receive the tag this offseason, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports via John Keim of ESPN.com.

If Payne plays on the franchise tag, he is projected to receive $18.937 million. Washington remains hopeful that it can sign him to a long-term deal and has until July 17 to do so. After that, the Commanders can't negotiate with him until after the 2023 season.

Payne recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks last season -- three shy of his combined total over his first four seasons. His previous high in sacks was in his rookie season, when he finished with five. Only two defensive tackles posted higher sack totals in 2023: Kansas City's Chris Jones and the New York Jets' Quinnen Williams.

Payne also finished tied for eighth in the NFL -- and second among interior linemen -- with 21 tackles for loss. Teammate Jon Allen recorded 19 tackles for loss along with 6.5 sacks, making this pair arguably the NFL's best defensive interior tandem.

Payne, selected 13th overall in the 2018 draft, has started 75 career games and has not missed a game over the past three seasons. He has forced four fumbles -- recovering the same amount -- in five seasons, though none in the past two.

Payne was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl and was added to the game when others ahead of him could not attend.

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