The Sean Payton sweepstakes could reach its conclusion this week, if we’re lucky.
“I think in the next week we’re going to know a lot more,” Payton said.
He’s interviewed for several openings and his options are dwindling. The Panthers hired Frank Reich as their head coach on Thursday. The Texans have reportedly zeroed in on 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as the favorite for their opening.
That leaves the Broncos and Cardinals as the two most realistic options to land Payton in a trade this offseason. Both of those options might be unrealistic. Earlier this week, Payton needed to shut down rumors that a potential rift with a member of Denver’s ownership group would prevent him from seeking that opportunity.
The Broncos hold the rights to the 49ers first-round pick, but that will be one of the last four of the first round after San Francisco’s playoff run. Denver might not have the draft assets necessary to acquire Payton.
He interviewed with Arizona on Thursday but no deal materialized. On Saturday, reports circulated that QB Kyler Murray will likely be unavailable for the beginning of the 2023 season. Arizona’s other finalists for its opening are defensive coordinators, which might be a sign of which path the front office would prefer to pursue.
ESPN’s Diana Russini reported earlier this week that a mystery team is waiting in the wings in case Payton doesn’t land one of the open jobs. The Saints, if they aren’t the mystery team, better hope that one does present itself because the organization sorely needs the draft capital it would receive in a Payton trade.
New Orleans is reportedly seeking a significant trade package involving multiple draft picks. The Saints have the leverage, but that will change if Payton returns to Fox and the same song-and-dance is entertained next offseason. Payton could leave and New Orleans would receive nothing in return by not trading him next year.
Another potential snag occurred when the Dolphins announced on Sunday they hired Vic Fangio as their defensive coordinator. Payton reportedly had plans to hire Fangio at the same position if he landed a head coaching job this offseason.
There’s a number of different scenarios the pursuit of Payton can still play out, but it’s a stronger possibility than it’s been all offseason that he’s at Fox for the 2023 season.
The circus will hopefully fold its tent this week. Unfortunately, we might be doing it all again next year.
