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4 players Sean Payton could bring to the Denver Broncos in 2023

By Sayre Bedinger

Jan 8, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (7) runs to the locker room after the game against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (7) runs to the locker room after the game against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 20: Latavius Murray #28 of the Denver Broncos runs during an NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 20, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. The Las Vegas Raiders won in overtime (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

2. Latavius Murray, RB, Denver Broncos (2023 free agent)

Alright, this is cheating. No need to jump into the comments and notify me that Latavius Murray already plays for the Denver Broncos — I know.

But as of right now, Murray is not under contract with the Denver Broncos in 2023. He’s a pending free agent. He also just so happens to be one of the players that was name-dropped during Payton’s press conference, meeting the Denver media for the first time.

Here’s what Payton had to say about Latavius Murray, a player he coached with the Saints in 2019 and 2020:

"Latavius Murray is one of my former players and he’s played with a number of teams. He’s a super guy. You guys have had the chance to cover him. He’s one of those guys you like being around. We had a great experience with him in New Orleans. I got a text right at the end of the season. He said, ‘Man, we have to find a way to get you here—me and backfield teammate.’ When I heard that, I thought of running back. Then I thought of who else is in his backfield. I texted and said, ‘Who is your backfield teammate?’ He sent the number three. It was Christmas time and I said, ‘Be careful what you’re asking Santa for.’ That was my response. We kind of went from there. Sean Payton (via Broncos PR)"

The words Payton puts in Murray’s mouth here certainly make it seem like Murray is going to be back in Denver, one way or another. It sounds like Murray actually tried to help recruit Payton to the Broncos. And not only that, but it sounds like Murray reached out to Payton shortly after Nathaniel Hackett was fired in December if the timing of all this was around Christmastime.

Enough detective work, let’s talk about this fit, which is very simple.

Murray was a godsend to the Denver Broncos this season after Javonte Williams suffered a season-ending injury and Melvin Gordon couldn’t hold onto the ball. He ended up having multiple 100-yard rushing games and looked explosive down the stretch.

Considering his ties to head coach Sean Payton as well as GM George Paton (from their time in Minnesota), it seems almost a guarantee that Latavius Murray will reunite with Payton in Denver in 2023.

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