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ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 06: Denver Broncos General Manager George Paton listens as new Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton fields questions from the media during a press conference at UCHealth Training Center on February 06, 2023 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos general manager George Paton is widely expected to remain in place for the 2026 season.

However, a new report has introduced an unexpected layer of uncertainty around his future.

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini via Sports Illustrated, Paton’s name has been “circulating in conversations with league sources” in connection with the Minnesota Vikings’ general manager vacancy.

While Paton remains under contract with Denver through the 2026 season, his deep ties to Minnesota have sparked league-wide speculation.

“Another name circulating in conversations with league sources is former Vikings executive and current Broncos general manager George Paton, who still has strong internal relationships,” Russini wrote. 

She added that Paton “remains under contract with Denver and is well regarded by both Broncos ownership and head coach Sean Payton.”

Denver has shown little public indication that a change is coming. 

Still, the report has raised questions as Paton enters the final year of his six-year contract in 2026. 

Vikings Vacancy Brings Familiar Ties Back Into Focus

Paton’s connection to Minnesota runs deep.  

He spent 14 seasons with the Vikings organization from 2007 to 2020, rising from director of player personnel to assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel.

During that span, he worked closely with longtime GM Rick Spielman and became one of the league’s most respected front-office executives.

Paton’s success in Minnesota was a major reason the Broncos hired him.

Minnesota fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah last week, opening a vacancy that will not be filled until after the NFL Draft. 

Longtime Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski is currently serving in a temporary role.

But league sources have already begun floating outside names, including Paton’s.

Any move would require Denver’s permission, as the Vikings job would be considered a lateral position. 

It would also likely require Minnesota to offer Paton expanded control over football operations. 

Whether that would be enough to pull him away from Denver remains doubtful, but that isn’t slowing down discussions. 

Paton’s Success Strengthens Case for Extension 

Since surviving the disastrous Nathaniel Hackett-Russell Wilson era, Paton has helped stabilize the Broncos alongside head coach Sean Payton.

Over the past two seasons, Denver has made the playoffs in two straight seasons, captured an AFC West title, earned a No. 1 seed, and reached the AFC Championship.

This occurred all while navigating historic dead money tied to Wilson’s departure. 

Paton has also rebuilt his reputation as a top-tier talent evaluator.  

His drafts and extensions have produced cornerstone players such as Patrick Surtain II, Quinn Meinerz, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and Zach Allen. 

Broncos CEO Greg Penner recently underscored the organization’s desire for continuity.

“We’d love to have both of them here long term,” Penner said of Paton and Payton. “The partnership they’ve created and how they work together, it’s very complementary.”

Given Denver’s trajectory, it would be a major surprise if the Broncos allowed Paton to leave. 

Still, with his contract winding down and a familiar opportunity resurfacing, Paton’s future has drawn attention around the league.

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