Nearly a full yr after Brian Flores’ lawsuit ignited a flame contained in the NFL that might go on to engulf a possible partnership between Tom Brady and Sean Payton, these two might lastly get to affix forces in 2023. Payton must make sure you stroll away from that potential blaze and by no means look again.
Rumors are swirling all through the NFL that the 2 will signal on with the identical franchise for subsequent season, when neither soccer savant might be underneath contract. Pro Football Talk’s MIke Florio made the subject even juicier when he reported that they may each be on their solution to the place the place Payton turned a future Hall of Famer, New Orleans. Florio wrote {that a} supply knowledgeable him that the opportunity of Payton and Brady on the Saints is the “worst kept secret in the league.”
The information definitely bought the eye of Saints’ WR Michael Thomas. There was a little bit of a schism in his and Payton’s relationship final season, when Thomas underwent ankle surgical procedure simply previous to the start of coaching camp, and reportedly didn’t take calls from the Saints’ coaches or trainers throughout the offseason. Injuries additionally hampered his 2022 marketing campaign however he, and his $25-plus million in lifeless cap subsequent yr, seem like intrigued on the thought of Payton’s return, and a 46-year-old Brady at quarterback.
Saints’ insider Nick Underhill is reporting that “it would be a surprise” if Dennis Allen doesn’t return because the staff’s head coach subsequent season.
Sticking with Allen can be the smart transfer for the Saints, and Payton ought to be carefully listening to the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff efficiency. If they make one other fast exit, or get blown out in any spherical in need of the Super Bowl, he may lastly get the job that he has been linked to via rumors for years.
Even if the Cowboys’ head teaching doesn’t open up, Payton doesn’t have to journey again into New Orleans on his white horse with Brady by his aspect, huffing and puffing his solution to 50 years outdated. Payton might have coached the Saints for so long as he needed, however he as a substitute determined to do one thing completely different. However, he made it clear that leaving the Bayou was not a retirement.
While his authentic plans seem to have been thwarted by the Dolphins’ blatant disregard for the NFL’s anti tampering insurance policies, operating again dwelling with a Fair Condition model of Brady is just not the way in which to get again into teaching for one of many league’s finest. Especially with the wage cap knots that the Saints’ entrance workplace is compelled to untangle each season.
Maybe the Las Vegas Raiders job opens up, or the Houston Texans wish to begin with a clear slate with Bryce Young as their No. 1 total draft choose. A rookie quarterback, and free reign to do what he desires with a company, they could not have stars on their helmets in Houston, however with a star coach and quarterback that franchise might get rotated in a rush.
Or possibly Payton doesn’t like every of the roles out there and decides to attend for an additional yr. He’s nonetheless not even 60 years outdated. Payton might be simply as fascinating of a rent in 2024 as he might be in 2023.
The NFL is his oyster, he had simply higher not damage it by including a touch of — very near the expiration date — Brady.