Sean Payton to become Broncos’ next head coach after Saints, Denver reportedly finalize trade compensation
Sean Payton is set to become the Denver Broncos’ next head coach, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. The New Orleans Saints and Broncos have finalized trade compensation for head coach Sean Payton, according to ESPN, removing the final hurdle for Payton to become Denver’s next head coach.
Adam Schefter adds that the trade is calling Denver’s first-round pick from San Francisco (No. 30 overall) and a 2024 second-round pick will be sent to New Orleans for their 2024 third-round pick.
More about Payton at the Broncos
Payton, 59, last coached the Saints in 2021 but remains under contract which is why a trade has to be negotiated. The Eastern Illinois graduate’s NFL coaching career began in 1997 with the Eagles. His 15-year run through the league included three quarters of the NFC East, excluding Washington, before his run as Saints head coach in 2013.
While at New Orleans, he went 152-89 (.631 winning percentage) and 9-8 in the playoffs. The Saints won Super Bowl XLIV. He led the franchise through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina before being caught up in the 2012 bounty scandal. Payton was suspended for the entire season, earning him the honor of being the first coach -head of the modern era to be hung. The Associated Press awarded him Coach of the Year honors in 2006 after his team went 10-6.
Led by Payton and, largely, quarterback Drew Brees, the New Orleans offense ranked second in points per game (27.5), first in yards per game (391.4 ), first in third down conversion (45.4%) and red zone conversion. (61.1%) from 2006 to 2021.
Russell Wilson has struggled in his first season with Denver since being acquired through the trade with Seattle. He completed just 60% of his passes for 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and an 84.4 passer rating; all ranked 25th or worse in the league. Wilson went 4-11 as a starter, which resulted in first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett being fired.
The No. 30 overall selection has now changed hands three times. He was originally held by San Francisco before being sent to Miami as part of the trade package that saw the 49ers select quarterback Trey Lance. The Dolphins then traded him to the Broncos in exchange for rusher Bradley Chubb. Now he’s being sent to New Orleans as part of the Payton trade.
New Orleans was without a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft following the decision to acquire a second first-round selection from Philadelphia last year. The Eagles thus hold the 10th overall selection. Denver is once again without a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after sending its own to the Seahawks as part of the Russell Wilson trade.