Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
NFL March Madness Is Underway, And Jeffrey Simmons Is Going To Get Paid
NASHVILLE - According to an initial report from Ian Rappaport, the Washington Commanders have landed the first free agent defensive tackle by resigning Daron Payne. Per the report, the deal is 4-years, $90 million, with $60 million guaranteed.
News of the deal means that the market for star defensive tackles is now set, and the asking price for the Tennessee Titans to resign their star defender, Jeffrey Simmons has likely just gone up.
While there is no indication from Simmons' camp as to what dollar range he is asking for, it is clear that at this figure for Payne, Simmons should be able to garner over $100 million in any deal he agrees to with the Titans or another club.
The "legal tampering period," where teams can speak with free agents without penalty begins on Monday. Reports have been flying on Sunday as teams sprint to resign their top free agents before other clubs become involved.
Also, on Sunday, it was reported that the Los Angles Rams have traded Nashville prep standout Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins for a reported 2023 third-round pick (No.77) and tight end Hunter long.
While this trade won't be final until Monday, when the new league year officially begins, it is the first blockbuster deal of a superstar-caliber player.
The Titans have not made any headlines, and there have been no reports on whom the team might target when legal tampering begins Monday morning.
One thing is certain, general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Mike Vrabel will likely be working overtime on Sunday night, and Payne's deal won't make their efforts any easier.
