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ENGLEWOOD, Colo .– John Elway and the Denver Broncos wanted George Paton to be the team’s new GM so badly, Paton was given a contract longer than Elway had ever had in the same job.
Paton, who has spent the past 13 years with the Minnesota Vikings, has accepted a six-year contract to be the Broncos general manager, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Broncos announced the hiring of Paton on Wednesday but did not disclose the terms.
Paton had 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 director of player personnel, Champ Kelly, Dave Ziegler of the New England Patriots and Broncos varsity scouting director Brian Stark.
“At the start of this process it became clear why George was such a coveted GM candidate for so many years. He is a proven evaluator who knows all the details of top football operations,” Elway said in a statement. . “With his experience in all aspects of the job – college and pro, salary cap, trades, working with the head coach and bringing the staff together – George is more than poised to be successful in this role. George waited and worked for the right opportunity which shows he’s smart and serious about winning. We are delighted to appoint George Paton as General Manager of the Denver Broncos. “
Paton and Fontenot, who did his interview practically because the Saints are still in the playoffs, were each interviewed a second time on Tuesday.
Elway, who has been the Broncos’ chief football decision maker since 2011, announced on Jan.4 that he was stepping down from day-to-day personal operations but would remain president of football operations at least until the final year of his current contract. .
Elway also said he doesn’t think the current team ownership battle between Pat Bowlen’s children will affect the Broncos’ ability to secure what he believes is a better candidate. Paton’s six-year deal would likely close any potential changes in team ownership in the years to come.
Paton has control over the team roster, free agency and the draft. The Broncos have missed the playoffs in five straight seasons since winning Super Bowl 50 and finished the final season 5-11.
The team faces contract option decisions over linebacker Von Miller and Kareem Jackson, and Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons is expected to be among the team’s unrestricted free agents. A decision regarding the quarterback’s plan is also among the foreground issues for the Broncos.
The team has one of the youngest teams in the league and enough pay margin 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 like this team is a sleeping giant. For me, this is the right place and the right time for this opportunity,” Paton said in a statement. “… Although it is difficult to leave the Vikings, the relationships I have enjoyed in Minnesota are for life.
Paton added: “… Draft and player development is the # 1 priority. We will be aggressive – but not reckless – in adding talent to our roster.”
Paton has been particularly selective with CEO openings over the years. Last year, after Kevin Stefanski left for Cleveland, Paton was a finalist for the Cleveland Browns general manager position, but withdrew his name from the row on January 24, 2020, two days after he visited for an in-person interview. .
Paton was also wanted for openings with Detroit – this round and before, when the Detroit Lions hired former general manager Bob Quinn – Green Bay, San Francisco, Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets.
Paton is widely regarded as one of the Vikings’ top personnel talent assessors, and his exit leaves Minnesota with a big void at the front office. Ryan Monnens, the current director of professional screening, could be in line to replace Paton this offseason.
Courtney Cronin of ESPN contributed to this report.
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