ENGLEWOOD, Colorado. – John Elway and the Denver Broncos wanted George Paton so badly to be the new general manager of the team that Paton received a longer contract than Elway had ever held in the same position.
Paton, who has spent the last 13 years with the Minnesota Vikings, has agreed to a six-year contract to be the general manager of the Broncos, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Broncos announced the signing of Paton on Wednesday, but did not disclose the terms.
Paton spent most of Tuesday in Denver for what was a second interview for him with the team officials, and returned to Minnesota 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, assistant director of the Chicago Bears’ gambling team Champ Kelly, Dave Ziegler of the New England Patriots and Broncos college scout director Brian Stark.
“At the beginning of that process, it was clear why George was such a coveted GM candidate for so many years. He is a proven appraiser who knows all the details of the leading football operations,” said Elway in a statement. “With his experience in all aspects of the job – college and professional sides, salary cap, business, working with the head coach and bringing the team together – George is more than ready to succeed in this role. George waited and worked for the opportunity right, which shows that he is smart and serious about winning. We are very happy to appoint George Paton as general manager of the Denver Broncos. “
Paton and Fontenot, who gave their interview virtually because Santos is still in the qualifiers, were interviewed a second time on Tuesday.
Elway, who has been the Broncos’ top football decision maker since 2011, announced on January 4 that he was moving away from day-to-day personal operations, but would remain president of football operations for at least the last year. of your current contract.
Elway also said he did not think the current battle for team ownership among Pat Bowlen’s children would affect the Broncos’ ability to secure what he believed to be a leading candidate. Paton’s six-year deal would likely eliminate any potential change in the team’s ownership in the coming years.
Paton has control over the team’s cast, free agency and draft. The Broncos have lost the playoffs in five consecutive seasons since winning the Super Bowl 50 and ended last season 5-11.
The team faces contract option decisions on linebacker Von Miller and Kareem Jackson, and Pro Bowl security guard Justin Simmons is scheduled to be among the team’s unrestricted free agents. The decision on the quarterback’s plan is also among the priority issues for the Broncos.
The team has one of the youngest lineups in the league and enough salary cap space to participate in the open market. In the past few days, Elway and team president and CEO Joe Ellis promised that the new general manager would have “the resources” to make improvements.
“In many ways, I feel that this team is a sleeping giant. For me, it is the right place and the right time for this opportunity,” said Paton in a statement. “… Although it is difficult to leave the Vikings, the relationships I had in Minnesota are for life.
Paton added: “… Choosing and developing players is the number one priority. We will be aggressive – but not reckless – when adding talent to our squad.”
Paton has been particularly selective with general manager positions over the years. Last year, after Kevin Stefanski left Cleveland, Paton was a finalist for the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, but withdrew his name from the race on January 24, 2020, two days after his visit for a personal interview.
Paton was also wanted for Detroit premieres – in this cycle and before, when Detroit Lions hired former GM Bob Quinn – Green Bay, San Francisco, Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets.
Paton is widely considered to be one of the best talent assessors on the Vikings’ staff team, and his departure leaves Minnesota with a great void on the front lines. Ryan Monnens, the current director of professional scouts, may be in line to replace Paton this season.
Courtney Cronin of ESPN contributed to this report.