Broncos Coach Sean Payton Says Team Is Not Selling at Trade Deadline

Sean Payton stated that the Denver Broncos are in a position to buy rather than sell as the league trade deadline approaches on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The head coach offered a clear signal of the team's direction while declining to specify exactly who or what the organization might add to its roster.

The Broncos currently hold a 6-2 record and sit atop the AFC West. Payton attributed the team's posture to its on-field performance, noting that the squad is playing better. "We’re a team that’s playing better, so we’re not looking to sell," Payton said. This stance contrasts with teams that are struggling and often look to offload players to clear cap space or gain future draft capital.

Despite the general sentiment, specific rumors link Denver to several high-profile targets. Names such as Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and New York Jets running back Breece Hall have been connected to the Broncos. Payton did not confirm whether these players are active targets, nor did he detail what the Broncos might give up in return. The primary question remaining is the scale of the assets Denver is willing to expend.

Payton observed that the distinction between buyers and sellers has become more pronounced in recent years. He noted that teams winning games are the natural buyers, while those losing are the sellers. "I always think there’s buyers and sellers. It’s probably more noticeable in the last five years, or at least I notice it more," Payton said.

General Manager George Paton and Payton meet daily to discuss the team's direction. These conversations typically occur in the evening after Paton has spoken with other league executives. While the two discuss various topics, Payton said they do not spend a large amount of time focused solely on trade mechanics. "His group is spending a lot of time separate from the time that I’m involved with our group," Payton said. "They’re doing their evaluation, we’re doing football."

Payton described a dynamic within the front office where Paton sometimes spends more time with financial administrators than with the coaching staff. In late October, Payton summoned Paton to his office, telling him, "Nothing, I just wanted you to be down on our end where the spenders are." Payton joked that Paton had been hanging out with Rich Hurtado, the vice president of football administration who manages the salary cap. "He hangs out by Rich," Payton said. "Rich has got the coupons. Two different kind of personalities. Come hang out where my wife hangs out."

Payton indicated that the coaching staff occasionally brings Paton back to the football operations side of the building to ensure balance in their discussions.