Grading Broncos’ Sean Payton trade: Denver’s picks cabinet lays bare

Sean Payton, the most sought-after head coach in the coaching cycle, has reportedly agreed to join the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos brass have put their faith in Payton to fix the franchise after the short-lived Nathaniel Hackett experiment.

Russell Wilson's first season in Denver was a disaster that led to Hackett's firing. The Broncos' job was deemed as a tough one, which explains why it took this long for the franchise to convince Payton.

However, the Broncos didn't get Payton for free as they had to send some draft compensation to the New Orleans Saints in order to bring him on board. Per Adam Schefter, the trade compensation to acquire Payton is:

"Denver’s 2023 first-round pick and next year’s second-round pick for Sean Payton and the Saints’ 2024 third."

The New Orleans Saints had already stated that they would seek draft compensation to allow Payton to take over as head coach outside NOLA. This was because the former Saints coach was technically under contract with the franchise until the end of the 2024 season.

The Denver Broncos had to go all-in for Sean Payton since he was the best man available. The mess in Denver needed a proven head coach, and Payton certainly belongs in that category.

He has shown in the past that he can improve quarterbacks as seen with Drew Brees, Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill.

Russell Wilson will certainly benefit from Payton's arrival, as the quarterback himself wanted the Super Bowl-winning head coach in Denver.

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Broncos' trade grade: B

Russell Wilson: Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Rams

The Denver Broncos had no option other than going all-in for Sean Payton this season with the new ownership group wanting to make a statement.

They didn't want to another write-off season, due to which they had to send a first-rounder and exchange a 2024 second-round pick with a third-round pick from the Saints.

The Broncos don't have a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but they do have an elite coach who is very likely to improve their quarterback.

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Saints’ trade grade for Sean Payton: A+

Dennis Allen: New Orleans Saints v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The New Orleans Saints themselves didn't have a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but due to Sean Payton going to Denver, they now have the 29th overall pick.

It was great business from the Saints' end as they got a first-rounder in return. They can now add a quality player and help current head coach Dennis Allen rebuild as the Saints look to crawl back into contention territory in the years to come.