Sean Payton says Saints seeking ‘mid- to late-first round pick’ as trade compensation

This may be discourageing. Sean Payton is the hottest name in the NFL’s hiring cycle right now as multiple teams schedule interviews with the former New Orleans Saints head coach — and any move will require trade compensation going back to New Orleans.

We’ve discussed some potential trade packages from teams in Payton sweepstakes like the Carolina Panthers As well as the Broncos, Texans, and CardinalsHowever, the man now suggests what the final return of the Saints might be.

“Mickey Loomis and I have talked already about it,” Payton said during his usual Monday appearance with Colin Cowherd’s show. “I think ultimately the compensation for the Saints will be a mid or later first-round pick.”

Of the teams to have scheduled interviews with Payton, the picks are falling in the late 20’s (for the Broncos, who will receive the San Francisco 49ers’ pick) as well as No. 9 overall (from Panthers), and No. 12. 12 (from the Texans). Houston and Arizona hold the No. 2 and 3 overall picks, respectively, but Payton’s comment suggests those are both off-limits. The Texans might be willing to take No. 12 while the Cardinals may be hoping for their first round pick in the second round (at Number. 34, just outside of the first frame), or their first rounder next year gets a deal.

That paints a much starker picture than what many Saints fans have been thinking of in recent weeks, but it lines up with the usual returns we’ve seen from coach trades in the past. This is an unusual situation. Payton could opt to not take any of these jobs, and instead stay for another year at FOX Sports, while he waits for his contract to expire with the Saints. New Orleans would receive nothing. The idea that the Saints could only get one pick in the second round in return for the greatest coach of team history is disappointing. Sometimes, reality is.

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Story originally appeared on Saints Wire

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