Daron Payne denies report he walked out of Commanders OTA's practice

Former Alabama star and current Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne reportedly walked off the practice field, skipping team activities on Tuesday, according to The Athletic. Payne took to social media Wednesday afternoon to defend himself, however.

“If y’all think I walked outta practice you goofy we always working,” he wrote via Twitter.

According to the initial report, the incident, which Payne disputes, stemmed from an ongoing contract dispute between the team and player this offseason. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, he wants an improved contract, though hasn’t engaged in extension talks with the Commanders despite his eligibility for a new deal.

Over four seasons in the NFL, Payne has 227 tackles and 14.5 sacks. He also has recorded 22 tackles for loss with 35 quarterback hits and nine pass deflections on the front line. Payne made one interception in 2020 and has forced four fumbles with three recoveries.

Washington adds another Alabama lineman

The Washington Commanders have been known for stocking up on former Alabama Crimson Tide players in recent years, and that is apparent when looking at the makeup of their defensive line. In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Commanders selected Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis in the second round.

Mathis is now the third former Alabama player on the Commanders defensive line, joining Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Payne and Mathis played together at Alabama, and having the opportunity to team up with his former teammate is something that he is extremely excited for.

“Most definitely, that’s a blessing,” Mathis said. “Those are my big bros. I just talked to Jonathan Allen at the A-Day game and Payne, we talk all the time. So man, it’s a blessing to be back with Payne and also getting a chance to play with Jonathan Allen, because he left when I was coming into Alabama. So that’s another blessing for me and my family. I can’t wait to get around those guys and just learn from them also just come in and help them out.”

Mathis is coming off of a breakout season at Alabama. In 2021, he totaled 53 tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two passes defended, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries on the way to a national championship game appearance.