On Tuesday, the Washington Commanders had an eventful start to their latest phase of OTA practices. In lieu of four absences, the talk quickly shifted to defensive tackle Daron Payne.
Payne reportedly walked off of the field and did not participate in team drills during practice. Payne appears frustrated about his contract situation. He will play this upcoming season under his fifth-year option.
It’s worth noting, multiple reports stressed Payne did participate in the team’s weightlifting session and attended team meetings after the on-field drills.
On Wednesday, Daron Payne responded to the reports he walked out of Tuesday’s practice. He took aim at those who spun the initial report as if he left practice in anger or made a scene.
The Athletic’s Ben Standig, who made the original report, stressed on his podcast Standig Room Only, he never stated Payne left in a storm or heap. The confusion may have been the choice of words that Payne was angered by his contract situation.
Reports previously surfaced last month that the Commanders are not expected to offer Payne a contract extension. Barring a change of direction, Payne will effectively become an unrestricted free agent next spring.
