Daron Payne is back to No. 94.
The Washington Redskins first-round pick from a year ago didn’t have a chance at the number thanks to Preston Smith, so he settled one digit higher and started his already-productive pro career.
But Smith is gone now and the number was open — so Payne pounced.
Payne wore No. 94 in high school and then at Alabama before jumping to the pros via the No. 13 pick an offseason ago.
Regardless of the number, Payne didn’t miss a beat with the Redskins, joining another Crimson Tide defender in Jonathan Allen and having a stellar season up front, bolstering the entire unit.
Payne figures to do the same next season, though he’ll do it in a more comfortable jersey.
