As we discussed on another thread, I had no expectation that Washington would be able to sign 4 first rounders on the DL to second contracts.
My guess is the club would have the ability to sign TWO of the four to big, long-term deals to keep these players in DC.
Those 3-4 years would help determine which of the players would be the ones.
By last season, Jonathan Allen had proven he was the best of the lot both as an impactful player but also as an on the field team leader.
He received the first of those contracts.
The injury to Chase Young has complicated calculations on that second contract.
When he was drafted at #2 and his performance as a rookie, he appeared to be destined to get contract #2 as a DE to pair with Allen going forward.
From a position standpoint you can't afford to pay megabucks to one position and beggar others (other than QB) and expect to improve your club.
So, Payne looks like the casualty as the second DT.
The decision at DE is still pending Young's return and showing that he is a franchise performer for the club.
Sweat is a very good player, an elite athlete and is able to stay on the field which is key for a team that seems to suffer through an inordinate number of injury problems each and every season to key performers.
As Joe Gibbs once said 'when we look at players DURABILITY is a key characteristic to consider'.
