ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - The Denver Broncos have agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Saints that will make Sean Payton their head coach, a person with knowledge of the accord said Tuesday.
The inhabit, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the teams hadn't announced the contrast, said the Broncos would send their first-round pick, No. 29 overall, in this year's draft to the Saints along with a future second-rounder.
Payton existed under contract with New Orleans after stepping down from the Saints last season and toiling in broadcasting this season.
The Broncos, who went 5-12 this season and ache their playoff drought to seven years, fired rookie coach Nathaniel Hackett on Dec. 26 at what time he went 4-11. Interim coach Jerry Rosburg went 1-1.
File: New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton reacts during an NFL game alongside the Miami Dolphins at Caesars Superdome on December 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Payton's top task will be to get quarterback Russell Wilson back to his winning ways at what time the 11-year pro had his worst statistical season after his blockbuster trade from Seattle for four premium drink picks and three players.
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The Broncos dealt their safe and second-round picks to the Seahawks for Wilson. They got back into the safe round by trading pass rusher Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins, who sent the Broncos a first-rounder originally owned by the San Francisco 49ers.
That selection, the 29th overall pick, now belongs to the Saints.
Payton also interviewed for the Carolina Panthers' head coaching vacancy.