ENGLEWOOD, Colo. John Elway and the Denver Broncos wanted George Paton to become the team’s new general manager so badly that Paton got a longer deal than Elway had ever had in the same job.
Paton, who has spent the past 13 years with the Minnesota Vikings, has agreed to a six-year deal to become the Broncos general manager, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Broncos announced the hiring of Paton on Wednesday, but did not disclose any terms.
Paton had spent most of Tuesday in Denver for what was his second interview with team officials, and had returned to Minnesota on Tuesday night.
Elway had promised to find the “best candidate, the best person” for the job. The Broncos also interviewed Terry Fontenot, assistant general manager of New Orleans Saints, Champ Kelly, assistant director of player staff for Chicago Bears, Dave Ziegler of the New England Patriots, and Brian Stark, director of scouting at Broncos University.
“Early on in this process it became clear why George has been such a coveted GM candidate for so many years. He is a proven evaluator who knows every detail of leading football operations,” Elway said in a statement. “With his experience in all aspects of the job – the college and pro sides, salary cap, occupations, working with the head coach and bringing the staff together – George is more than ready to succeed in this role. George has been waiting and for The right opportunity has worked, showing that he is smart and serious about winning. We are delighted to be named George Paton as CEO of the Denver Broncos. ”
Paton and Fontenot, who practically conducted his interview because the Saints are still in the playoffs, were each interviewed for the second time on Tuesday.
Elway, who has been the Broncos’ chief football decision maker since 2011, announced on Jan. 4 that he would be stepping down from day-to-day personal activities, but would remain under contract as president of football for at least the last year of his current career.
Elway also said he did not think the team’s current ownership battle between Pat Bowlen’s children would affect the Broncos’ ability to insure that he believes it would be a top contender. Paton’s six-year deal would likely bridge a potential change in the team’s ownership over the next few years.
Paton is in control of team selection, free agency and concept. The Broncos have missed the playoffs in five consecutive seasons since their Super Bowl 50 win, finishing 5-11 last season.
The team is facing contract option decisions over linebacker Von Miller and Kareem Jackson, and Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons is scheduled to be one of the team’s unrestricted free agents. A quarterback’s plan decision is also one of the main issues for the Broncos.
The team has one of the youngest rosters in the league and ample salary margin to participate in the open market. In recent days, Elway and team chairman and CEO Joe Ellis have each 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, this is the right place and the right time for this opportunity,” Paton said in a statement. “… While it’s hard to leave the Vikings, the relationships I’ve enjoyed in Minnesota are for life.
Paton added, “… Drafting and developing players is the number one priority. We will be aggressive – but not reckless – in adding talent to our squad.”
Over the years, Paton has been particularly selective in opening a general manager. Last year, following Kevin Stefanski’s departure to Cleveland, Paton was a finalist for the Cleveland Browns’ position as general manager, but he withdrew his name from the fight on January 24, 2020, two days after visiting for an in-person interview .
Paton was also in demand for openings with Detroit – this cycle and before, when the Detroit Lions hired former GM Bob Quinn – Green Bay, San Francisco, the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets.
Paton is widely regarded as one of the best talent evaluators of the Vikings’ staff, and his departure leaves Minnesota with a huge void in the front office. Ryan Monnens, the current pro scouting director, could be in line to replace Paton off-season.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin contributed to this report.