If you want Sean Payton as your new head coach, you’ll have to bend over backwards—and that was always obvious from the start. But now, it looks like you may have to just go all out and do some acrobatics.
The latest development in the play for Payton has been provided by NOLA.com columnist Jeff Duncan—who, on Wednesday night, reported that New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis will be looking for at least two first-round picks in a potential trade for the 59-year-old studio analyst. He writes of Loomis:
“He’s seeking compensation similar to what the Oakland Raiders received from Tampa Bay in exchange for Jon Gruden in 2002, with two first-round draft picks being the starting point. If future first-round picks are part of the offer, then they would have to be supplemented by higher picks this season.”
Of the teams interested, of course, are the Carolina Panthers. Owner David Tepper is set to speak with Payton in Manhattan this Friday about his team’s head coaching job.
A report earlier in the day from Mark Maske of The Washington Post indicated that Tepper would be willing to give Payton “just about anything he wants.” And according to Duncan, Payton is seeking a four-year deal worth between $20 million and $25 million per season.
But what if the Panthers and the billionaire owner are unwilling to give Loomis “just about anything” he wants?
“If they [interested teams] are unwilling to match Loomis’ demands, he can nix the deal,” Duncan adds. “The team would have to find a new coach, and Payton would have to return to his analyst role at Fox Sports for another year.”
