ENGLEWOOD, College. – John Elway and the Denver Broncos wanted George Paton to be the new general manager of the team, Paton was given a longer deal than Elway had ever had in the same job.
Paton, who has spent the past 13 years with the Minnesota Vikings, has agreed a six-year deal to be the Broncos’ general manager, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Broncos announced the hiring of Paton on Wednesday, but did not disclose the terms.
Paton had spent most of Tuesday in Denver for what was a second interview for him with team officials, and had returned Tuesday night to Minnesota.
Elway had promised to find the “best candidate, the best person” for the job. The Broncos also interviewed New Orleans Saints assistant general manager Terry Fontenot, Chicago Bears assistant director of Chicago Bears players, Dave Ziegler of the New England Patriots, and the university’s director of research. Broncos, Brian Stark.
“At the beginning of this process, it became clear why George has been such a coveted GM candidate for so many years. He is a proven evaluator who knows all the details of major football operations,” Elway said in a statement. “With his experience in all aspects of the job (universities and professionals, salary cap, trades, working with the head coach and staff meeting), George is more than ready to succeed in this role. George has waited and “He worked for the right opportunity, which proves he is smart and serious about winning. We are delighted to have appointed George Paton as general manager of the Denver Broncos.”
Paton and Fontenot, who did their interview virtually because the Saints are still in the playoffs, were each interviewed for the second time on Tuesday.
Elway, who has been in charge of the Broncos’ football decision since 2011, announced on Jan. 4 that he would step away from day-to-day personal operations, but would continue to be president of football operations at least for the rest of the year. last year of his current contract.
Elway also said he did not believe the current battle for team ownership between Pat Bowlen’s sons would affect the Broncos’ ability to secure what he believed would be a major contender. Paton’s six-year deal would likely mean a potential change in team ownership in the coming years.
Paton has control over the team roster, free agency and draft. The Broncos have lost the playoffs in five consecutive seasons since winning the Super Bowl 50 and finished last season 5-11.
The team faces contract option decisions from defenders Von Miller and Kareem Jackson, and Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons is expected to be one of the team’s unrestricted free agents. A decision on the quarterback plan is also one of the main problems for the Broncos.
The team has one of the youngest lists in the league and enough salary limit room to participate in the free market. In recent days, Elway and the team’s president and CEO, Joe Ellis, have promised that the new CEO would have “the resources” to make improvements.
“In many ways, I think this team is a sleeping giant. For me, it’s the right place and time for this opportunity,” Paton said in a statement. “… While it’s hard to leave the Vikings, the relationships I enjoyed in Minnesota are for life.
Paton added: “… Writing and developing players is the number 1 priority. We will be aggressive, but not reckless, in adding talent to our roster.”
Paton has been particularly selective with general manager openings over the years. Last year, following Kevin Stefanski’s departure to Cleveland, Paton was a finalist for the position of general manager of the Cleveland Browns, but took his name out of the dispute on January 24, 2020, two days after his visit for an in-person interview.
Paton was also sought for openings with Detroit, this cycle and earlier, when the Detroit Lions hired former GM Bob Quinn – Green Bay, San Francisco, Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets.
Paton is widely regarded as one of the Vikings ’best talent appraisers, and his departure leaves Minnesota with a big gap at the front desk. Ryan Monnens, the current director of professional exploration, could be on the line to replace Paton this offseason.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin contributed to this report.