Report: Commanders turning away teams interested in trading for DT Daron Payne

The Washington Commanders are reportedly not planning to sign defensive tackle Daron Payne to an extension, but the team isn't ready to trade him either.

According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, Washington has rebuffed trade inquiries from teams interested in acquiring Payne. Earlier in the offseason, the Commanders had a different plan and, according to Standig, told teams prior to the 2022 NFL Draft that Payne was on the trade block.

Payne, 25, was the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and is set to play the 2022 season on the $8.529 million fifth-year option on his rookie contract. Despite his contract expiring in 2023 and the Commanders turning away interested teams, Standig says Washington doesn't plan on offering Payne an extension.

Earlier Tuesday, the Commanders made a big investment for the future by keeping wide receiver Terry McLaurin on a three-year, $71 million extension.

If nothing changes, Payne appears headed for free agency in 2023, which could result in a high-value compensatory pick in the 2024 NFL Draft for the Commanders. Payne has 14.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss in four NFL seasons.