Report: Broncos, Saints 'finalizing compensation' for head coach Sean Payton

If anybody was going to hire Sean Payton as their next head coach, a trade would have to be worked out. An unusual way for somebody to be hired, the New Orleans Saints still owned the contract of Payton once retiring. However, if he was going to return to the NFL, Payton would be leaving the Big Easy.

Many openings this cycle have seen Payton’s name linked but one has reportedly stood out from the rest. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, New Orleans is “finalizing compensation” with the Denver Broncos to trade away the head coach.

Once agreed upon, Denver can work out its own deal with Payton and anoint him the franchise’s latest head coach.

“Breaking: Saints and Broncos are finalizing compensation in return for Super Bowl-winning HC Sean Payton, sources tell ESPN,” Schefter said. “This clears the way for Payton to sign with the Broncos to become Denver’s next head coach. And so Payton is expected to head to Denver as its next HC.”

Denver thought the perfect plan was in place around this time a year ago, having Russell Wilson in the bucket with former head coach Nathaniel Hackett. To say things went south would be kind, with the Broncos finishing 5-12 and becoming the laughingstock of the NFL.

Payton will be brought in to help the franchise make a quick repair and become a top competitor in the AFC. Sharing a division with Kansas City and the Los Angeles Chargers is no easy task but Payton has never backed down from a challenge.

Sean Payton linking up with Russell Wilson

For years, Payton had success with future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees in New Orleans. The two were able to win a championship together and made countless runs at a second. Payton will be hoping for similar success alongside Wilson.

When Denver traded for Wilson, he was thought to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league, just needing a change of scenery from Seattle. Year One was a borderline disaster and that’s before considering some of the injuries sustained.

Wilson completed just 60.5% of his throws for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Denver won just 11 of the 15 games he started in. Less than ideal after trading a good chunk of your future draft capital.

Pairing somebody who is viewed as a top offensive mind in football with a semi-damaged quarterback is the idea here from Denver. We will have to wait and see what the duo is able to accomplish together.