Rex Ryan could see Sean Payton returning to Saints alongside Tom Brady

As for Denver’s chances of landing Payton, Ryan said, “I don’t see this happening in a million years.” 

Ryan cited the Broncos’ lack of draft picks to offer the Saints, who still own Payton’s rights, in a trade for the head coach. 

Last March, the Broncos traded five picks in total, including two first-rounders, to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson. 

Ryan’s take may not be as scorching as it seems. In November, former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum said Payton and Brady “could be a package deal” and named the Saints one of several possible destinations. 

Also, Payton and Brady had a flirty conversation on the latter’s podcast “Let’s Go!” back in December. 

When co-host Jim Gray suggested that Payton and Brady would be working alongside one another with FOX next season, Payton joked that maybe, that wasn’t the case. 

“Who says Tommy’s coming to FOX right away? Clearly, we don’t want to get another team in trouble.” 

In response, Brady said, “You never know what happens in the NFL. So, Who knows?” 

Payton and Brady were first linked last August after an investigation revealed the Miami Dolphins had violated tampering rules, attempting to lure the pair to South Beach during the 2019-20 season while both were still under contract. 

Brady, the 45-year-old ageless wonder, will be a free agent at the end of the season and has been linked most heavily to the Las Vegas Raiders after they exiled starter Derek Carr. 

Regardless of what Brady does, Payton will remain a hot name on the coaching market this offseason. 

Last month, a report noted that Payton was already piecing together a coaching staff, which includes former Broncos head coach Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator. So, Payton is ramping things up, ready for an NFL return. 

Several NFL teams will be in search of a head coach this offseason, and Payton will likely have the pick of the litter.