ENGLEWOOD, Colorado – John Elway and the Denver Broncos wanted George Paton to be the team’s new general manager so much that Paton was given a longer business than Elway ever had in the same job.
Paton, who has spent the past 13 years with the Minnesota Vikings, has agreed to a six-year deal to become Broncos general manager, sources for ESPN’s Adam Schefter said. Broncos announced Paton’s hiring on Wednesday, but did not disclose the terms.
Paton spent most of Tuesday in Denver for what was a second interview for him with team officials and returned to Minnesota on Tuesday night.
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 staff director Champ Kelly, Dave Ziegler of the New England Patriots and Broncos university director Brian Stark.
“At the beginning of this process, it became clear why George had been such a coveted GM candidate for so many years. He is a proven evaluator who knows every detail of the conduct of football operations,” Elway said in a statement. “With his experience in all aspects of work – college and professional, salary cap, trades, working with the head coach and bringing staff together – George is more than ready to succeed in this role. George waited and worked for the right opportunity, which shows that he is smart and serious about winning. We are pleased to have appointed George Paton as General Manager of the Denver Broncos.
Paton and Fontenot, who did their practical interview because the Saints are still in the playoffs, were interviewed a second time on Tuesday.
Elway, who has been the top decision-maker in Broncos football since 2011, announced on January 4 that he is moving away from day-to-day personal operations, but will remain president of football operations at least until the last year of his current year. contract.
Elway also said he doesn’t think the team’s current fight between Pat Bowlen’s children would affect the Bronchos’ ability to secure what he thought would be a top candidate. Paton’s six-year deal could probably reduce any potential change in team ownership in the coming years.
Paton has control over the list of the team, the free agency and the project. The Broncos have missed the playoffs in five consecutive seasons since winning the Super Bowl 50 and finishing last season 5-11.
The team faces contract option decisions for defenders Von Miller and Kareem Jackson, and Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons is scheduled to be among the team’s free agents. A decision on the quarterback’s plan is also one of the main issues for the Broncos.
The team has one of the youngest lists in the league and enough salary to participate in the open market. In recent days, Elway and team president and CEO Joe Ellis have each promised that the new CEO will have the “resources” to make improvements.
“In many ways, I feel this team is a sleeping giant. For me, it is the right place and the right time for this opportunity,” Paton said in a statement. “… Although it’s hard to leave the Vikings, the relationships I enjoyed in Minnesota are alive.
Paton added: “… Writing and developing players is the number one priority. We will be aggressive – but not careless – in adding talent to our roster.”
Paton has been particularly selective with the openings of general managers over the years. Last year, after Kevin Stefanski left for Cleveland, Paton was a finalist for the position of general manager of the Cleveland Browns, but withdrew his name from the dispute on January 24, 2020, two days after visiting for an in-person interview.
Paton was also wanted 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 the New York Jets.
Paton is widely considered one of the best talent evaluators in the Vikings staff, and his departure leaves Minnesota with a big goal in the front office. Ryan Monnens, the current director of professional research, could be Paton’s replacement this season.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin contributed to this report.