The Tom Brady-Sean Payton rumors continue to escalate.
During halftime of Saturday’s Jaguars-Titans game, ESPN analyst and former Jets head coach Rex Ryan stated that he could picture Payton and Brady reuniting with the Saints in 2023.
Ryan stated, “I could see him returning to New Orleans and possibly bringing Tom Brady with him.”
The 59-year-old Payton, who has served as an NFL commentator for Fox this season, is eager to return to coaching after his 16-year tenure with the Saints ended last year. Brady, who has a $375 million contract to become an NFL game commentator for Fox upon his retirement, is completing his third season with the Buccaneers after spending 20 years with the Patriots. This year, the 45-year-old quarterback will be a free agent.
Rex Ryan stated that he does not foresee Sean Payton joining the Denver Broncos in a million years.
Ryan continues, “I could see [Payton] going back to New Orleans, and maybe bringing a quarterback named Tom Brady with him.” pic.twitter.com/WKiWN9ING1
January 8, 2023: Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing)
The Dolphins were penalized by the NFL in August after the league concluded Miami had “illegal communications” with Brady and Payton as part of a scheme to lure them in. The Dolphins lost their first-round pick this year and their third-round pick in 2024.
A source told Pro Football Talk on December 27 that Payton’s return to the Saints is the “worst-kept secret” in the National Football League. When asked about a potential partnership with Brady on NFL writer Peter Schrager’s podcast, Payton stated, “There is a good chance that if we do work together, it will be with Fox.”
The Broncos reportedly requested permission from the Saints to interview Payton for their open head coaching position, which became vacant last month when Denver sacked first-year coach Nathaniel Hackett. Ryan, though, does not foresee Payton joining the Broncos following the trading of their 2023 first- and second-round picks for Russell Wilson.
On January 1, 2023, Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady celebrates a victory against the Panthers.
On December 2, 2021, Saints head coach Sean Payton will lead the team against the Cowboys, per USA Today Sports.
“I don’t see this happening in a million years, and here’s why: Sean Payton, are you going to return to coaching and take over this team?” Ryan stated. “You have no compensation here because Seattle has already acquired every draft pick.” Consequently, I do not see it occurring.”
Earlier on Saturday, Ryan wept as he referred to Bills safety Damar Hamlin as a “legend” as he continues to recover from cardiac arrest.
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