Sean Payton admits to baiting Vikings into draft day trade

Aug 11, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton suggested that he pulled some shenanigans to bait the Minnesota Vikings into their draft day trade on Thursday.

Payton said Friday he was “actively involved” in trying to convince the Vikings that the Broncos were trying to move up in the first round from No. 12, presumably to draft JJ McCarthy. The Vikings, who were set to pick at No. 11, ultimately moved up one spot, giving up a fourth- and fifth-round pick to swap with the New York Jets.

“I was actively involved in trying to pretend we were moving forward,” Payton said, chuckling.

The Broncos did not really benefit from the Vikings’ move. The Jets were never taking a quarterback, so the reality is that the Vikings’ only risk of not getting McCarthy was if another team moved up to No. 10. Denver’s supposed posturing did not actually get them any players that would not have been there otherwise, as they ultimately selected Bo Nix.

Did Payton want to mess with the Vikings because of his infamous history against the team? Who knows. His efforts seem to have worked, though, and he seems quite pleased with that.