On Tuesday, the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints agreed to a trade that sees Sean Payton become the new head coach of the Broncos. Payton spent 16 years at the helm of the Saints, and led the team to a Super Bowl victory in the 2009 season. In exchange, the Saints will receive the Broncos' 2023 first-round pick and a second-round pick next year.
The Saints still held the rights to Payton since he signed a contract running through 2024, but he was given permission to interview with several teams. Eventually, the Broncos emerged as the successful party. They will be looking to Payton to bring the best out of quarterback Russell Wilson, who had a 4-11 record as the team's starter last year. The Broncos acquired Wilson in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks last year for multiple first-round draft picks.
Payton is only the third coach to be traded after winning a Super Bowl, following Bill Parcells' 1997 trade from the New England Patriots to the New York Jets and the 1999 deal sending Mike Holmgren from the Packers to the Seahawks.
In the wake of this news, both the Broncos and Saints are looking to build a winning team and make a run at the Super Bowl. With Payton's experience and success, he is an invaluable asset and the Broncos will be hoping he can bring the best out of Wilson. It remains to be seen whether this move will pay off for both teams.