Sean Payton says he and Tom Brady are not a package deal

Despite a bevy of rumors, former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton says he and Tom Brady aren’t a package deal this offseason: “I can’t speak for Tom”

Tom Brady hasn’t thrown his final pass as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback just yet, but speculation is already swirling about where the future Hall of Famer might go next — assuming he doesn’t enter retirement and start digging into the lucrative broadcasting contract he’s already signed with FOX Sports.

And former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has been at the center of that speculation, with Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reporting that a potential Payton-Brady is the “worst-kept secret” in the NFL. But Payton pushed back on the idea that he and Brady are a package deal during an interview with NFL Network’s Peter Schrager, who asked about that match.

“I tell you what,” Payton said, pausing to consider his response. “No. I think that there are a number of things that play into Tom’s decision, when, I can’t speak for Tom. I haven’t talked to Tom. I’m certainly a big fan.”

Payton added that it he and Brady to share some connections; they both have ties to San Mateo, Calif., where Brady grew up and where Payton lived for a few years. They also share representation in star agent Don Yee, who introduced the pair once upon a time when Payton was an assistant coach for the New York Giants during Brady’s rookie year. So they’ve each known one another and admired their achievements for a long time, but that doesn’t mean they’re angling to work together soon.

“Over the years we’ve kept in touch, never worked together. I think there’s too many variables in that equation. If we work together, there’s a good chance it’s going to be with FOX,” Payton smirked.

We’ll see where they all end up. Payton has obviously enjoyed his time in the media and he could choose to stay in the studio if there aren’t any coaching opportunities that catch his eye. Brady is coming off his worst year as a pro and has plenty of reason to finally hang it up. Things should heat up in the days ahead. Stay tuned.

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