The Sean Payton trade became possible last November when Denver Broncos general manager George Paton agreed to send outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and a 2025 fifth-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 fourth-round pick and running back Chase Edmonds.
After previously acquiring quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks last March, the Broncos did not have a 2023 first-round before trading Chubb to the Dolphins. The pick that Miami sent to Denver originally belonged to the San Francisco 49ers, and it’s set to be 29th overall in April.
Broncos owner/CEO Greg Penner agreed to trade that 29th overall pick and a 2024 second-round pick to the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and the rights to coach Sean Payton.
Payton last coached for the Saints in 2021 but he was still under contract for two more seasons, which is why Denver had to complete a trade with New Orleans in order to hire him (although rare, coach trades have happened before).
After factoring in how the Broncos acquired the 29th overall pick, it’s fair to say that Penner and Paton essentially traded Bradley Chubb and a second-round pick to the Saints in exchange for a third-round pick and Payton. For a Super Bowl-winning coach, that’s not a bad deal — especially if he can help quarterback Russell Wilson get back on track in 2023.
While seemingly not a bad deal, it was a big price for a coach, but Denver’s ownership group was willing to go all in to ensure they landed the right candidate. If Payton turns it to be the right man for the job, the trade will age well.
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