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Broncos GM Paton's Future in Doubt Amid Payton's Arrival

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 20:32 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Colorado, Arizona, UNITED STATES

Denver, Colorado - February 4th, 2026 - The Denver Broncos are undergoing a significant transformation under new head coach Sean Payton, and the future of General Manager George Paton remains a central question mark. With Paton's contract expiring after the 2024 season, and now two seasons past that expiration date, the Broncos find themselves at a crossroads. While Payton appears to be establishing a firm grip on the team's direction, the long-term role of the man who built the roster - for better or worse - is far from secure.

Reports surfaced two years ago indicating strong interest from other NFL franchises in interviewing Paton for their General Manager openings. Though he ultimately remained with Denver, the external interest highlighted the respect Paton commanded around the league, even amidst the Broncos' struggles. That initial interest has not subsided, and over the last two years, Paton has quietly entertained offers from multiple teams, including the Chicago Bears and the Washington Commanders, both of which ultimately opted for younger, less experienced candidates.

Paton's time in Denver has been characterized by both promise and frustration. He inherited a team needing significant overhaul and initially focused on building through the draft. While he's identified some talented players - notably, Patrick Surtain II, a cornerstone defensive back - the overall draft performance has been inconsistent. Numerous high draft picks haven't lived up to expectations, contributing to the Broncos' inability to consistently compete. The Russell Wilson trade, spearheaded by Paton, looms large as a pivotal, and largely unsuccessful, gamble. While the initial hope was that Wilson would be the missing piece, the quarterback's performance and subsequent release left the team with a significant salary cap burden and little to show for it.

However, it's crucial to note that Paton isn't solely responsible for the team's failures. Coaching instability and player performance have also played significant roles. He did navigate a difficult ownership transition, and managed to secure some key free agent additions, albeit often overshadowed by the larger issues plaguing the franchise. His ability to identify talent and build a roster, despite these challenges, continues to earn him praise from league insiders.

Sean Payton's arrival has undeniably shifted the power dynamics within the Broncos organization. Payton, known for his strong control over personnel decisions, is conducting a thorough evaluation of the entire front office. He's brought in several of his own trusted scouts and analysts, signaling a potential restructuring. While Payton initially spoke of maintaining some continuity, the reality is he's looking to build a team aligned with his vision, and that may not include Paton.

What factors are at play?

• Payton's Control: Payton is the clear architect of the Broncos' rebuild. He's likely to prefer a GM who will execute his vision without resistance.
• Paton's Market Value: The continued interest from other teams gives Paton leverage. He could potentially walk away and take a GM position elsewhere with more autonomy.
• Broncos' Performance: If the Broncos show significant improvement in the 2026 season, it will bolster Paton's case for staying. However, another disappointing season could seal his fate.
• Ownership's Input: The Walton-Penner ownership group is committed to building a winning franchise. They will ultimately have the final say on Paton's future.

The coming weeks promise to be decisive. Payton and the ownership group are carefully assessing Paton's performance, his alignment with the team's long-term goals, and the potential alternatives. While a re-signing isn't out of the question, the odds appear to be stacked against Paton. It's increasingly likely that the Broncos will move forward with a new GM, marking a complete reset of the front office and ushering in a new era for the franchise. The question now isn't if Paton will leave, but where he will land, and whether another team will give him the opportunity to fully implement his vision.