Broncos' Sean Payton Pushes for GM George Paton Extension

Payton says he's 'already' advocated for Paton to get a new deal as the GM enters final year of contract.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:05am

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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton revealed that he has already pushed for the team to extend the contract of general manager George Paton, who is entering the final year of his original six-year deal. Payton praised his working relationship with Paton and said the GM's future should be 'handled quickly'.

Why it matters

Paton has emerged as a top GM candidate, with the Minnesota Vikings a potential suitor. Broncos owner Greg Penner has said he hopes Payton and Paton remain together long-term, indicating the team wants to keep its leadership duo intact.

The details

Paton was hired as Broncos GM in 2021 on a six-year contract. He has helped guide the team to a 44-41 record over his five seasons, including a 14-3 campaign and AFC Championship Game appearance in 2025. Payton, who was traded to Denver in 2023, has a strong working relationship with Paton and wants to see him extended.

  • Paton is entering the final year of his original six-year contract signed in 2021.
  • Payton said he has 'already' pushed for Paton to receive a contract extension.

The players

Sean Payton

Head coach of the Denver Broncos, who was traded to the team in 2023.

George Paton

General manager of the Denver Broncos, who was hired in 2021 on a six-year contract.

Greg Penner

Owner of the Denver Broncos, who has said he hopes Payton and Paton remain together long-term.

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What they’re saying

“I have already.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach (The Denver Post)

“It'll happen when it happens. I'm not too worried about it. We've got a lot going on this offseason.”

— George Paton, General Manager (The Denver Post)

“If the two of them agree on something and recommend it, it'd be pretty unlikely that I ever overrule that. So the approach – I think it's working really well. And it starts with the two of them having a lot of trust in each other, and they each have a deep expertise and set of experiences.”

— Greg Penner, Owner (The Denver Post)

What’s next

The Broncos will need to decide whether to extend Paton's contract before it expires at the end of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The strong partnership between Broncos head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton is a key part of the team's recent success, and the organization appears committed to keeping the duo together long-term.