The Denver Broncos are finalizing a long-term deal with Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton to become the team’s new GM, per reports from Adam Schefter of ESPN and others.
That takes Paton out of the running for the general manager vacancy with the Detroit Lions. The team interviewed Paton last week, when he also first interviewed with the Broncos. His willingness to accept interviews was a surprise after he had turned down requests to leave his longtime perch in Minnesota over the past few offseasons.
Paton takes over for John Elway, who kicked himself upstairs and no longer had interest in being so involved in the day-to-day operations of the team he legendarily led during his Hall of Fame career.
The news of Paton taking the Broncos job came as Rams director of collegiate scouting Brad Holmes was in his second interview with the team. Holmes should now be seen as a leading candidate.
