Sean Payton's hiring a signal Broncos expect him to save franchise
The Broncos moved all of their chips to the middle of the table Tuesday, gambling that former Saints HC Sean Payton has the championship pedigree and offensive savvy to save the franchise.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Denver traded a 2023 first-round pick and 2024 second-rounder for Payton and the Saints' 2024 third-rounder.
Giving up more high-round draft picks is not ideal for Denver, especially after it dealt two first-rounders in a package to acquire QB Russell Wilson from Seattle last offseason.
Denver's 2023 first-rounder is the 30th pick, per Tankathon, outside the franchise-savior range.
Denver desperately needs a proven commodity such as Payton to re-ignite its inept offense. Since winning Super Bowl 50, the Broncos have ranked 22nd or lower in scoring offense over the past seven seasons.
After trading for Wilson, the Broncos reached a low point, scoring 287 points in 17 games, last in the league in 2022. Wilson posted career lows in passing TDs (16) and completion percentage (60.5).
Payton, the Super Bowl XLIV champion with the Saints, has a sharp offensive acumen. In 2011, he guided an offense that set an NFL record for yards (7,474) and scored 547 points in 16 games, seventh-most in league history.
Payton helped turn QB Drew Brees into a future Pro Football Hall of Famer. Brees made one Pro Bowl appearance in five seasons with San Diego. He made 12 in 15 seasons in New Orleans under Payton's tutelage.
Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowler. If anyone can revive his career, it's Payton. His hiring is a signal the Broncos expect to hit a jackpot — and soon.
More must-reads: