Sean Payton finally comes clean on Kyler Murray amid rumor of hating Cardinals QB

Sean Payton was one of the hottest coaching candidates. He retired from his position with the New Orleans Saints last year and spent last season as an NFL analyst for Fox. A year later, he expressed interest in making his return to coaching, but wanted to join a new team.

One of the teams that pursued Payton was the Arizona Cardinals. Payton said he went through a deep interviewing process with the team before deciding to seek other opportunities. He ultimately landed with the Denver Broncos.

According to Terry Bradshaw, an NFL analyst on Fox, Payton declined to accept the Cardinals job because of Kyler Murray. Bradshaw said that Payton "doesn't want to work with that quarterback."

On the "Up & Adams" show, host Kay Adams asked Payton if he hates Murray, to which Payton said:

"No, I don't hate Kyler Murray. ... I like Kyler Murray. My son is his biggest fan. ... I love Terry ... but when Terry gets interviewed ... you just hold your breath, because you don't know what's going to come out, and I think from Terry's perspective, I know that he would have felt better if I was coming back to Fox.

"So, there wasn't going to be anyone good enough in his eyes for me. He was going to look at it like, 'He's not going there!' ... And I saw him last night and I'm like, 'Terry, I appreciate the kind words and I appreciate you waiting until after my press conference to completely blow this story up.' But, no, I think he's extremely talented.

"There was a different fit in Denver. Arizona was fantastic. Like I said, the interview was great. ... But I think my instincts were pushing me in a direction with Denver."

Sean Payton's overall opinion of Kyler Murray is fairly irrelevant at this point now that he's decided to join the Broncos. He will instead work with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to attempt to get him back on track following a disappointing 2022 season. The Broncos are hoping he can do so as they gave up a lot to acquire Wilson (and Payton).

What did the Broncos surrender for Sean Payton?

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton

A major catch for Sean Payton switching teams is that he was still under contract with the Saints for two more years. This meant that the Broncos were forced to acquire him via trade, rather than just signing him as a free agent.

The Broncos surrendered two draft picks – a first-rounder and second-rounder – in a deal to land Payton. The Broncos then proceeded to give him a five-year contract worth around $18 million per season, doubling down on their hefty investment.

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