The Denver Broncos are continuing their high spending ways, as they have agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Saints allowing them to sign Sean Payton as their next head coach. For their part, the Saints will receive a 2023 1st round pick (via San Francisco) and the Broncos own 2024 2nd round pick, as Payton was still under contract with the Saints until 2024.
According to reports, the Saints will also kick in their 2024 3rd rounder as part of the deal going to Denver.
Payton, 59, compiled a 152 – 89 record across 15 seasons as the Saints head coach, winning a Super Bowl in 2009. He had been linked to almost every open coaching position this offseason, as well being continuously rumoured to have a desire to coach the Dallas Cowboys.
Payton’s offensive reputation and reportedly impressive interviews convinced the Broncos that he should be the man in charge of getting the offense, and more importantly Russel Wilson, back on track after a forgettable 2022 season. Wilson’s stark regression and the Broncos overall ineffective offense led to the firing of first year head coach Nathaniel Hackett, opening up the position heading into the 2023 offseason.
The Broncos have been in search of a reliable starting quarterback since Payton Manning’s short stint that led them to a superbowl in 2016. They thought they found their man in Wilson, sending the Seahawks two 1st round picks, two 2nd round picks, a 5th rounder and 3 players and signing him to a massive 5 year $242.6 million extension. But the early returns have been disappointing to say the least.
Broncos agree to deal with Saints to hire Sean Payton as head coach. (via @Rapsheet & @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/Rov23S87M7
— NFL (@NFL) January 31, 2023
With the Broncos tying themselves to Wilson until at least 2026, they felt they had to make a move to get one of the most sought after head coaches in recent memory, even if it costs them roster depth and flexibility going forward.
Luckily the Broncos do have the pieces of a good team already in place. Javonte Williams had the look of developing into a true #1 running back before a torn ACL ended his season prematurely. Wide Receiver Jerry Jeudy has shown flashes of his high level talent and made positive strides in his third year. The defense has been strong for a number of years, and allowed the 7th fewest yards in 2022, an impressive feat playing in a division that features the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
Payton would have to have known before signing on that Wilson would be his quarterback going forward, and will likely be afforded some patience as he tries to revive the career of his 34 year old QB.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.