The New Orleans Saints and head coach Sean Payton have agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension to keep him in town through the 2026 season, as first reported by Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. Payton previously inked a five-year extension after the 2015 season, which was set to expire in 2021. At the time of signing, that last contract made him the highest-paid coach in the NFL at about $9 million per year.
This signals a few big things: namely, Payton is willing to see things through without Drew Brees at quarterback. Brees is playing at 40 and could retire after this season or the next without much surprise, though he’s still as vocal as ever of his ambitions to play until he’s 45. But that just feels unrealistic given the declines he’s beginning to show as an aging deep-field passer.
Whether it’s with Teddy Bridgewater, Taysom Hill, or some unknown under center, Payton’s shown that he’s ready to face that challenge. And it makes sense given the way things are trending for the Saints, having rebuilt their roster in a hurry around a talented young core of players like wide receiver Michael Thomas (who also agreed to a five-year contract extension this summer), running back Alvin Kamara, and cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The oldest member of the offensive line is right guard Larry Warford, who is 28 (and a month older than left tackle Terron Armstead). This Saints team should continue to be competitive for a long time.
It also slams the door shut on the hopes of Dallas Cowboys fans, and maybe owner Jerry Jones. Payton rose to prominence Bill Parcells’ Cowboys staff in the early 2000’s, scouting and developing franchise quarterback Tony Romo and earning an interview with the Saints when they were looking for a new head coach. Current Cowboys coach Jason Garrett is on schedule to see his contract expire next year, and Jones has been noncommittal in discussing Garrett’s future with the team. Speculation has been rife that Jones would seek to recruit Payton, but that option is now off the table.
With Payton secure in a city he loves and with a talented roster that he’s built, he’ll continue to wear black and gold for quite a while.
