Commanders' Daron Payne vs. Eagles' Javon Hargrave: Who's Best Free Agent DT?
The Washington Commanders have a lot of pressure on their plate to re-sign defensive tackle Daron Payne this offseason.
ESPN ranked the top 50 free agents in the NFL this season, and Payne ranked No. 4.
"Payne posted career numbers in his contract season with 11.5 sacks and 32 solo tackles from the defensive tackle position," ESPN writes. "A big, powerful mover at 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, Payne is a disruptive defender with foot quickness and lower-body agility who can play in multiple fronts. His pass rush win rate when lined up inside (12.7%) ranked 12th in the NFL. He could be in line for a big deal based on his 2022 film."
Payne is considered to be one of the best defensive tackles on the market, but Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Javon Hargrave ranks slightly ahead of him at No. 3.
"Hargrave's 2022 tape has boosted his free agent profile," ESPN writes. "The veteran tackle had 11 sacks and 37 tackles this season. His 17.2% pass rush win rate when he was lined up on the interior ranked third in the NFL (behind Kansas City's Chris Jones and Houston's Maliek Collins). Slippery off the ball with an upfield burst, Hargrave can knife through protection to hit the quarterback or use his lower-body power to push the pocket. Hargrave had 23 sacks in three seasons with the Eagles. Plus, he has the ability to control a gap in the run front."
There's an argument for both, but Payne is four years younger than Hargrave and has a better chance of entering his prime on his next contract.
Regardless of who is better between Payne and Hargrave, both NFC East teams should be prepared to shell a bunch of cash to their talented defensive tackles.
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