EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Falcons HC Mike Smith highlights one massive factor that could convince Sean Payton to return to New Orleans

Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith believes Sean Payton may return to the New Orleans Saints rather than go to any other team. They faced each other when they were coaches at the NFC South divisional rivals, and Mike Smith may have figured Sean Payton out better than anybody else.

Smith also believes the single biggest factor that will motivate Payton to return to New Orleans is whether they can get a top quarterback. It might be someone like Tom Brady, who looks increasingly likely not to stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next season. The retirement of Drew Brees and the subsequent decline of the explosive offense might have been one of the reasons for Payton stepping away in the first place. Speaking to Sportskeeda's "The BallFather Podcast", Mike Smith said,

"I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints are in the mix. What? Brady going to the Saints, and Sean Payton coming back, because that would give him the opportunity to be with a good quarterback. And that's something that I think is one of his prerequisites about being back in the saddle and coaching in the NFL."

However, the former Falcons head coach was cautious about anyone thinking this was a done deal. He highlighted that there are other possibilities as well, with Payton expected to talk to many other teams, with the Denver Broncos already confirmed among the suitors. He added,

"I don't think anything's going to happen quickly with Sean Payton. There's going to be a number of teams that are going to want to talk with him and I think Sean is going to be very guarded about where he decides to go. It's going to be with a team that has an established quarterback, i.e maybe a trade in the division for a QB, you know, from Tampa to New Orleans. And he goes back to New Orleans. And they had the meeting in Miami, another city in Florida. So, you know, that could happen, who knows!"

Sean Payton's contractual obligations might also back Mike Smith's assertions

Despite stepping away from the NFL last season, Sean Payton is still under contract with the New Orleans Saints. It was at his discretion that he stepped away; the franchise did not want him to leave. Therefore, the first right to refuse rests with them.

However, given his standing in New Orleans, should he want a new challenge, they might not stand in his way. Perhaps, as Mike Smith said, the best way to woo their former coach would be for the Saints to get a quarterback like Tom Brady in place.