NFL Rumors: Teams looking to hire Sean Payton as HC might have to cough up a first round pick
A lot of teams are interested in hiring Sean Payton next year. After one year in retirement, the former New Orleans Saints head coach is interested in making a comeback, but it might come at a hefty price.
The Saints still have the coaching rights to Payton. This is the same situation teams find themselves in when they want to sign previously retired players: their former teams still have contractual rights to the players most of the time.
NFL reporter Dov Kleiman suggests that the Saints aren't looking to give up their former coach for a small price.
Sources say that the #Saints are expected to ask for a 1st round pick for the rights of head coach Sean Payton, according to @AdamSchefter https://t.co/ZPyzgeBdNz
Kleiman tweeted:
"Sources say that the Saints are expected to ask for a 1st round pick for the rights of head coach Sean Payton, according to [Adam Schefter]."
Since he retired from the Saints, any comeback would have to be with them. That is unless a team effectively trades for him, which is a rare occurrence in the NFL.
Several teams will likely be interested in the former Coach of the Year, but it may well cost them a pretty penny to sign him.
Which teams could be in the market for Sean Payton?
Barring teams backing off due to the Saints' high asking price, Sean Payton will have his pick of suitors this offseason. At this stage of the season, three teams have already fired their coaches and would theoretically be interested in Payton.
Those teams are the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Indianapolis Colts. By the season's end, more teams will likely join them.
There's a real chance the Las Vegas Raiders will fire Josh McDaniels and move on. The same is true even more so with the Arizona Cardinals and Kliff Kingsbury.
Sean McVay may end up seeing his head on the chopping board, which would open up the Los Angeles Rams job. The Los Angeles Chargers may move on from Brandon Staley, so Payton could take the other LA job.
There will be plenty of teams who need a good head coach. Will they pony up what the Saints are asking for? A first-round pick for a retired head coach is a steep price, even for a great head coach.