More Talk That 49ers Could Explore Trade For Saints HC Sean Payton

Update:

Ian Rapoport reports that the Saints are looking for a second-round pick in return for HC Sean Payton, which fits with what Jay Glazer mentioned on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Jason La Canfora mentions that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Payton traded for a mid-round pick. According to La Canfora, Payton wouldn’t want his new team to give up too much in return for him.

La Canfora suggests a fourth-round pick as something that would make sense in a trade.

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Ian Rapoport reports that Saints HC Sean Payton is worth keeping an eye on for the 49ers’ head-coaching job now that they’ve officially moved on from Jim Tomsula.

• According to Rapoport, the 49ers would give Payton the best chance to move near his daughter, assuming the Chargers keep Mike McCoy.
• ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen are also reporting that the 49ers are expected to explore the idea of trading for Payton.

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Jason La Canfora reports that the 49ers’ thinking regarding HC Jim Tomsula began to change midweek after Chip Kelly was fired by the Eagles.

• According to La Canfora, Kelly under “strong consideration” from the 49ers.
• Ian Rapoport reports that Sean Payton made it known last year that he’d consider the 49ers’ job if it was available.
• Jason La Canfora would discount Mike Holmgren’s interest in the 49ers’ job. La Canfora mentions that Holmgren could put together a top coaching staff.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported earlier in the day that the 49ers are expected to keep Trent Baalke in place as the team’s GM, but Tomsula isn’t as lucky, as he’s expected to be fired.

Kelly and Payton are as intriguing possibilities, as they could help San Francisco try to get Colin Kaepernick back on track along with the team’s offense.

Payton could have interest from other teams such as the Colts and Giants, but it will require them to part with draft picks, as he’s still under contract with the Saints. Jay Glazer mentioned that a second-round pick could be enticing to the Saints.

Kelly has made it clear that he wants to remain in the NFL and won’t require a team to give him full control of their personnel department. He could also have interest from the Titans and Browns.

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According to Jason Cole of B/R, the rumors about Saints HC Sean Payton going to the 49ers are “picking up steam.”

It’s worth mentioning that Cole wasn’t able to confirm this with anyone in the 49ers’ building.

Multiple reports have said that Payton has interest in the 49ers’ head-coaching job.

Jay Glazer of FOX reported earlier this morning that Payton will meet with GM Mickey Loomis tomorrow to discuss his future in New Orleans. According to Glazer, the Saints could consider trading him if a team was willing to part with a second-rounder.

The expectation is that the 49ers will replace Jim Tomsula as their head coach, but keep Trent Baalke in place as the team’s GM.

Adding someone like Payton to their organization could help Colin Kaepernick‘s future with the team, as he looks to get back on track along with the team’s offense.

Mike Florio lists the 49ers and Colts as the primary options for Payton, with the Giants being a long shot.

Payton is under contract through the 2017 season, and makes $8 million per year with this agreement. However, reports have said that Payton’s contract will not deter teams from approaching the Saints about a potential deal.

Payton, 51, has lead the Saints to a record of 84-53 (61.3 percent) including their only Super Bowl title over the course of eight-plus seasons in New Orleans.

We’ll have more regarding Payton’s future with either the Saints or other NFL teams as the news is available.