Sean Payton could recruit Tom Brady in dramatic Saints return

Sean Payton is expected to be the top head coaching candidate in the next cycle, and there’s talk that he may return to the New Orleans Saints. But could he bring in Tom Brady?

Remember when the Miami Dolphins were docked draft picks, money, and handed suspensions for tampering in recruiting Sean Payton and quarterback Tom Brady from 2019-2020? Well, is there actually a chance that the coach and quarterback could unite elsewhere?

A source told ProFootballTalk that Payton coming out of retirement to return as the Saints head coach is the “worst-kept secret” in the league.

With Brady hitting free agency at the end of this season, this could present itself as a path to join Payton on an NFL team.

Sean Payton reportedly could return as Saints coach, bringing Tom Brady with him

There has been talk as of late regarding where Payton could end up coaching, given the various reports about his impending return. In the ProFootballTalk report, a source told the media outlet that Payton wouldn’t be coaching either the Denver Broncos or Carolina Panthers. That leaves a return to New Orleans as a possibility.

The Saints do have a need at quarterback, as they have been unable to find a replacement for Drew Brees ever since he retired after the 2020 season. The team has had quarterbacks Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, and Trevor Siemian starting games. With Brady hitting free agency, it wouldn’t necessarily be stunning to see him join a new team.

Yes, Brady hasn’t played that well this season. Well, neither has the entire Tampa Bay Buccaneers team. But, Brady has seven Super Bowl titles on his resume. Teams will take a chance on him, especially ones that are built for a playoff run.

Despite the Saints not playing all that well this season, they are still in the playoff hunt at 6-9, with their most feasible path to clinch a berth will be by winning the NFC South. Their offense is filled with talent, like running back Alvin Kamara and wide receivers Chris Olave, and could help Brady.

Will Payton actually return to coach the Saints? That will remain to be seen. If they do, that means they’ll have to part ways with head coach Dennis Allen. If Payton does lead the Saints, all eyes will be if they are able to recruit Brady.