Daron Payne clears air after reports of walk off amid contract dispute
On Tuesday evening, reports surfaced that claimed Daron Payne walked off the practice field amid a contract dispute with the Washington Commanders. By Wednesday afternoon, the former Alabama star had taken to social media to refute those reports.
“If y’all think I walked outta practice you goofy,” Payne tweeted. “We always working.”
Hours later, Payne’s former Alabama teammate Jonathan Allen, who also plays for Washington, replied to his tweet.
“They don’t get it bruh, let them talk and come the season they’ll know what’s up.”
At this time, we’re not sure what could’ve happened during the Tuesday OTA session that would’ve led reporters to say that Payne left practice, but according to the man himself, those reports were wrong. We should also note that the former Shades Valley (Ala.) standout is entering the final year of his contract.
Over his first four seasons in the NFL, Payne has accumulated 227 tackles and 14.5 sacks to go along with 22 tackles for loss and 35 QB hits. He also secured his first interception on the professional level in 2020 when he picked off Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
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.
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Mathis is now the third former Alabama player on the Commanders defensive line, joining 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.
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