Atlanta Falcons remains perfect landing spot for Daron Payne

If the Atlanta Falcons are going to stick with Desmond Ridder as their starting quarterback moving forward their next priority is obvious. The 2022 Atlanta defensive line was often bullied and outside of Grady Jarrett had little hope of winning their matchup whether in run defense or rushing the passer.

Whether it is deciding to build around Ridder or chase a top quarterback Atlanta’s next move is going to be building their defensive line. That should start with the Falcons checking in on free agent Daron Payne.

Payne has 26.0 career sacks and 55 quarterback hits in five seasons with Washington. The defensive lineman is still only twenty-five and should still be in the middle of his prime seasons. Payne’s ability both as a pass rusher and to stop the run make him an ideal fit to pair with Jarrett.

Pairing Jarrett and Payne would instantly fix the middle of Atlanta’s defensive line allowing them to focus their efforts on adding an edge rusher and help in the secondary. The one issue with signing Payne is the fact he is coming off the best season of his career.

While his production has been consistent in his first four seasons his numbers this season could demand a bigger paycheck than Atlanta would be comfortable paying. The Falcons will be second in the league in cap space but must be careful not to put themselves back in the cap hell they were in. Signing Payne should be at the top of Atlanta’s list but only for a reasonable deal that won’t harm Atlanta moving forward.

For Payne, a $15-20 million dollar deal in the range of four or five seasons seems likely when you consider the market. Payne’s elite ability to create havoc on the inside is going to be a highly sought-after commodity one that the Falcons are going to have to be willing to pay highly for if they want to fix a defensive line that has been a problem for much of the last five seasons.