The Washington Commanders have put the franchise tag on standout defensive tackle Daron Payne. The tag is worth just over $18.9 million for next season.

Payne was set to become a free agent next month after Washington previously did not pick up his fifth-year option.

The University of Alabama product led the Commanders with a career-high 11 1/2 sacks in 2022.

Washington drafted Payne 13th in the 2018 draft and he has since made 296 tackles and recorded 26 sacks in 81 NFL games.