Another team has entered the Sean Payton sweepstakes.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Carolina Panthers have received permission from the New Orleans Saints to speak to Payton as a potential head coach.
The Panthers join the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans as teams that have received permission to talk to Payton.
The Panthers’ entry into the Payton sweepstakes is particularly interesting because they are a fellow NFC South team. Should Payton and the Panthers come to an agreement, the Panthers would have to compensate the New Orleans Saints because they still own the rights to Payton, who stepped down as head coach a year ago.
Payton is arguably the hottest head coaching candidate available, although there is no guarantee he will accept a job.
Earlier on Sunday, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that Payton “has his eyes” on the Chargers head coaching position, which suddenly seems like it could open after Brandon Staley oversaw his team blow a 27-0 lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday.
Chargers ownership may not be willing to pay the price for Payton, however.
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