Saints News: Sean Payton and Tom Brady could team up in New Orleans

Saints news is buzzing about Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk's article on how Sean Payton sticking with the New Orleans Saints is the league's "worst-kept secret". Not only that but perhaps Payton's return could also bring Tom Brady, who hits free agency this offseason, to the Big Easy. Hmm...

I'm not entirely sure why Payton would want to return to a Saints team that is in cap hell and quarterback hell but maybe if he could get Brady to join him in the bayou, it'd make a little more sense. Brady and the Bucs don't appear to be headed toward a reunion.

The 49ers were also interested in him when he was hitting free agency for the first time in his career nearly three years ago but with both Trey Lance and Brock Purdy on their roster, they might not be as desperate for Brady's services as they once were (that's never a sentence I expected to type).

All I can really say is buckle up Saints fans -- We could be in for a very interesting ride this offseason.

Here's what's trending in Saints news.

Could we see Sean Payton and Tom Brady in New Orleans next year? [Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk]

"As the source put it, Payton’s not going to Denver or Carolina. With the Chargers making the playoffs, that job isn’t coming open. The only other potential destination would be the Cowboys, if Dallas loses in the opening round of the playoffs and coach Mike McCarthy gets fired. "

- Mike Florio

Florio discusses the initial buzz, noting that the Chargers don't seem to be an option anymore with them making the playoffs and the Broncos and Panthers aren't suitable options. That leaves the Cowboys, who are also in the playoffs but could fire Mike McCarthy if the 'Boys have an early playoff exit once again.

Sean Payton: Cowboys Icon Troy Aikman Top Hire as Broncos Coach [Mike Fisher, SI]

"“The Broncos can’t take a chance on anybody,” Aikman said. “Sean Payton is in the driver's seat.” "

- Mike Fisher

It doesn't sound like the Broncos have a realistic shot at landing Payton but that didn't stop Troy Aikman from encouraging Denver to give it the ol' college try. What do they have to lose by inquiring about his availability and what it might cost to trade for him?

Buzz is building in the NFL that Sean Payton could return to the Saints in '23, report says [Patrick Magee, NOLA.com]

"Florio wrote that "it would still be a stunner" if Payton returned to the Saints, but New Orleans could be the only spot where Brady and Payton could work together. "

- Patrick Magee

Yeah, Florio did note that this would still be a surprising move on Payton's end but he and Brady clearly wanted to work together in Miami before that whole thing fell through. Teaming up in New Orleans could be their last chance at achieving glory together.