The Broncos found their new GM. Vikings exec George Paton is finalizing a six-year deal with Denver, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). 
Paton has rebuffed interview opportunities and job offers for years, citing his love of living in Minnesota. This time around, the Broncos’ offer was too good to pass up. Just recently, Paton seemed to be on the verge of becoming the Browns’ next GM, but he ultimately backed out. The Jets also made a strong push to hire him before Paton said no.
There were other interesting candidates in the mix, including Bears exec Champ Kelly, who has history with the Broncos. Still, Paton was their top target. Under the new structure, Paton and head coach Vic Fangio will report to John Elway, who will have less to do with the team’s day-to-day roster decisions. Elway was responsible for luring Peyton Manning to the team and helping to build a championship-caliber defense. But, things went downhill after Super Bowl 50. With Paton in charge, the Broncos believe they can work their way back to the top.
Saints exec Terry Fontenot and Broncos director of college scouting Brian Stark were also up for the job. Patriots assistant player personnel director Dave Ziegler was in the mix too, but ultimately backed out.
Man loves the snow
Wish nothing but the best for Paton, while many fellow Vikings fans want a clean house I recognize that the current group of executives have done a very good job at finding talent especially later in the draft. The fact that he was so desired shows the rest of the NFL knows the value of the guys up in Minnesota even if casual fans don’t. Hopefully he can get Denver back to their former glory.
I just hope that as selective as Paton has been with respect to exploring opportunities to become a GM, that Elway is firmly committed and consistent in giving up the reins and letting Paton make GM the position his own.
Elway must have successfully convinced Paton of this, otherwise Paton would not have accepted the position.
I think Elway is aware he’s been on borrowed time. Once Brittany is firmly in ownership control she will give Elway a scrapbook and send him on his way.
A scrapbook? Lol
I don’t think she’ll be so eager to send Elway packing. Elway seems to have realized that he hasn’t figured out how to have success finding a quarterback. This is how he’ll try to fix it.