The Commanders Player Set for ‘Bounce-Back’ 2024 Campaign According to PFF, who can increase their contributions for the Commanders this season?
For some NFL players, there is nothing more rejuvenating than a new scenario that allows them to blossom for the first time or recover from a disappointing season. Daron Payne, Washington Commanders defensive tackle, hopes that the arrival of new head coach Dan Quinn will help him turn things around after signing a $90 million contract deal over a year ago.
It’s no secret that the Commanders have made significant investments in their interior defensive line, which features Payne, Jonathan Allen, and rookie Jer’Zhan Newton. With Payne returning to form for the 2017 season, the defensive tackle rotation has the potential to create havoc in the backfield on a regular basis.
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The squad finished 4-13 last season. It’s easy to argue that almost no one on the roster met expectations, but that was especially true for Payne, who was in his first season of a $90 million deal extension.
Brady Locker of PFF placed Payne on his list of players who are expected to have a “bounce-back” season in 2024, with one player included for each of the 32 NFL teams.
“Payne has established himself as one of the more solid interior defenders across the NFL, but his past season wasn’t his finest,” Locker stated. “He tallied 14 fewer pressures despite having 32 additional opportunities to rush the passer.”
After making the Pro Bowl in 2022, Payne had 7.5 less sacks in the 2023 NFL season. Overall, his numbers were down. He does, however, have an opportunity to improve his situation heading into the upcoming season.
The 6-foot-2, 311-pound defensive tackle was a first-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. During his time in Washington, D.C., he has proven to be durable and available, alongside another Alabama defensive tackle, Allen.
The Commanders, who have invested heavily in the defensive tackle, may use a bounce-back season as he enters the new season at 29 years old.
“With Washington drafting Illinois’Jer’Zhan Newton in the second round, new head coach Dan Quinn could turn to more of a rotation along the Commanders’ defensive line, which might reduce Payne’s pressure numbers even further,” Locker stated. “Then again, as Payne enters the second year of his $90 million contract deal, he is unlikely to leave. A more driven Payne, who also improves his tackling, might return to being an incredible pass rusher in 2024.”
