Winners and losers from Sean Payton being hired by Broncos

Loser from Sean Payton being hired by Broncos: Denver Broncos

Yes, the Broncos did hire Sean Payton to be their head coach. That would be a win. It’s a win for Russell Wilson, after all. But, it doesn’t feel like they are actual winners. Rather, it feels like they lost this situation.

The first thing to look at is their dire draft capital situation. They already gave up their 2022 and 2023 first- and second-round draft picks to acquire Wilson from the Seahawks. Instead of being the answer to their quarterback woes, Wilson only added to them. After a bad season, the Seahawks now have Denver’s fifth-overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Denver did save face a bit, as they acquired the Miami Dolphins’ first-round pick for linebacker Bradley Chubb. That Dolphins pick actually came from the San Francisco 49ers in the trade that helped them move up to draft Trey Lance in 2021. Now, that pick is gone by acquiring Payton.

Then, there’s the report that came from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that Payton wasn’t even Denver’s first choice as of Tuesday. They tried to convince DeMeco Ryans to not take the Texans’ head coaching job and take theirs instead. That didn’t pan out, as Ryans officially became Houston’s next sideline boss. So, the Broncos pivoted to Payton and struck a deal with the Saints.

Denver’s coaching search seemed chaotic, and it didn’t help with what took place on Tuesday. But when looking at their draft pick situation, the organization better hope that Payton can bring Wilson back to his elite play. If not, it could be another lost year for the Broncos.

Winner from Sean Payton being hired by Broncos: New Orleans Saints

Well, well, well. Look who has a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft again!

The Saints received some heavy ridicule for their trade with the Philadelphia Eagles last year in which the two teams exchanged draft picks. Here’s the full trade:

• Saints received: No. 16, No. 19, and No. 194 (sixth-round) overall picks in 2022
• Eagles received: No. 18, No. 101 (third-round), and No. 237 overall picks in 2022, No. 10 overall pick in 2023, and a 2024 second-round pick

While New Orleans used the No. 16 pick acquired from the Eagles and some picks of their own to select wide receiver Chris Olave, the Saints were criticized for the trade. That is because they struggled throughout the year, finished with a 7-10 record, and received the 10th overall pick. But that pick went to the Eagles, who went onto win the NFC Championship and clinch a spot in Super Bowl 57.

New Orlean’s best shot at regaining some high draft picks was to trade Payton, who was still under contract with the team. Luckily for them, the Broncos wanted him, and were willing to give up their No. 29 overall pick and their 2024 second-round selection to strike a deal.

With regained draft capital, the Saints win the trade.