The New Orleans Saints may entertain Sean Payton offers during the offseason after another disappointing 7-9 season.

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Colts Deny Speaking to Saints About Payton

Sunday, Jan. 22

Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported there were "backchannel communications" between the Indianapolis Colts and the Saints regarding a potential deal for Payton. However, per La Canfora, "the talks ultimately broke down over draft-pick compensation." 

La Canfora noted the Saints were "likely asking for at least one pick in the top two rounds."

La Canfora spoke to Colts COO Pete Ward, who confirmed to him he took a call from the Saints about Payton but added the team "quickly decided" it wasn't interested and moved on.

Ward later called the report of trade discussions "totally fictitious," per Mike Chappell of Fox 59.

Payton Comments on Future with Saints

Monday, Jan. 2

"I definitely plan on being back here," Payton said during a radio appearance on WWL in New Orleans (via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network). Payton added that he has four years left on his deal and plans on "honoring that."

"It's completely false," Payton said in response to the report that he met with Saints general manager Mickey Loomis after Week 17 to discuss his future.

Payton Linked to Rams

Sunday, Jan. 1

Larry Holder of NOLA.com reported the Rams were expected to ask the Saints for permission to speak with Payton about filling their head coaching vacancy, and Loomis is open to trading Payton.

On Dec. 24, Rapoport reported the Rams' vacant position is one "Payton is monitoring with sincere interest."

Rapoport continued:

For Payton to become the team's new head coach, it would take significant maneuvering behind the scenes to work. One source described the prospects as not imminent or likely but "possible." The Rams, of course, would have to decide he's their overwhelming No. 1.

Payton hasn't been shy about his openness toward landing on the West Coast (his daughter lives in California), and there was plenty of interest last year in possible openings with the 49ers or Chargers, as well as the Colts. ...

The Saints would demand compensation to allow Payton to leave, but it might not be much. If he really wants out, the Saints aren't likely to hold him hostage, pay him his huge salary and ask him to coach the team when he wants to be elsewhere.

The way a deal would work, theoretically, is the Rams and Saints would agree on compensation first (draft picks or players). Then, the new team and Payton would work out a contract. Finally, the Saints would receive its picks.

La Canfora first linked Payton to the Rams on Dec. 18. However, the team eventually named Sean McVay its next head coach.

Payton Could Be Dealt for Financial Reasons

Sunday, Dec. 18

La Canfora wrote: "League sources said the Saints—adrift in another lost season and with veteran quarterback Drew Brees spiraling in recent weeks—would consider moving the coach should there be suitors, and it would not likely require hefty trade compensation."

A source told La Canfora: "I don't think it would take all that much to get him, actually. I don't think [Loomis] would hold him back or ask for all that much in return at this point."

Trading Payton could have significant financial benefits, freeing up around $40 million. That, combined with Brees' inevitable departure in the coming years—he'll be a free agent after the 2017 season—will give the team far more flexibility.

While Payton led the Saints to a Super Bowl title in the 2009 season and five playoff appearances, they haven't reached the postseason since the 2013 campaign and are under .500 since then.

Payton's pedigree will make him an appealing name for teams in the coaching market this offseason if the Saints are willing to deal him.

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