Rumors are just rumors. Notice the "report" didn't quote Payton at all. It just mentioned some "unnamed source". No doubt writers are fishing for stories this time of year. Someone may have asked Payton if he'd consider returning to coaching. In fact, I would be shocked if he hasn't heard that numerous times. What would you expect him to say? "Sure. Eventually." How about with the Dolphins, Chargers, or Cowboys? "Who knows? Maybe some other team when I'm ready." Is there anything you would be looking for if you did decide to return to coaching? "Sure. Warm weather. I'd like a roster that could content, and I'd certainly like control over the roster."

That could most definitely be the case, but I have a gut feeling he’ll be back and coaching a team that’s not in New Orleans. If not one of those teams you mentioned, maybe one of the teams that drafts Bryce Young or CJ Stroud.

If he returns before his contract with the Saints is up he probably won't have a pick available to get anyone like that. The Saints will demand the current year's 1st, at the very least. Maybe when Arch Manning enters the draft in 2025, however.

I gotta go on the record and say I’m not too big on Arch Manning.