George Paton’s future in Denver may have been a question mark not long ago, but based on everything we’ve seen-and heard-recently, it’s looking more and more like the Broncos’ GM isn’t going anywhere. Despite some outside chatter, including rumored interest from the Minnesota Vikings, the word out of Denver is that Paton is “pretty content,” and the Broncos are intent on keeping him right where he is.
And honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
Paton is in the final year of his deal, but his impact on this franchise has already been significant. When he took over for John Elway, the Broncos were in a transitional phase.
There was pressure right away, especially in the 2021 NFL Draft, where many fans and analysts expected him to take a swing at a quarterback-Justin Fields was a popular name at the time. But Paton zagged and went with cornerback Pat Surtain II instead.
That decision? It aged beautifully.
Surtain has blossomed into arguably the best cornerback in the league, earning AP Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024. Fields, meanwhile, has struggled to find a consistent home or starting role. That’s a win on Paton’s ledger, no question.
Of course, not every move has been a home run. The Nathaniel Hackett hire and the blockbuster trade for Russell Wilson were both high-stakes swings that didn’t connect.
Hackett didn’t make it through a full season, and Wilson’s contract became a financial anchor that weighed down the roster. Those are tough pills to swallow, and they’ll always be part of Paton’s resume.
But what matters just as much-if not more-is how a GM responds when things go sideways.
And Paton responded.
Once the Walton-Penner ownership group took the reins, the organization started to shift. They brought in Sean Payton, a head coach with a strong track record and a well-known preference for having his own people in the building.
Many thought that might spell the end of Paton’s tenure. Instead, the opposite happened.
The two clicked. Their working relationship has become one of the driving forces behind Denver’s rapid turnaround-from a team in disarray to one being mentioned in Super Bowl conversations.
Paton’s fingerprints are all over this roster, and the results are speaking loudly. He’s taken on a bigger role in scouting, and it’s paid off with a string of impressive draft picks.
All-Pro guard Quinn Meinerz, All-Pro edge rusher Nik Bonitto, and All-Pro returner Marvin Mims headline a deep group of contributors. While Sean Payton had significant input on selecting quarterback Bo Nix, it was a collaborative pick that helped ignite the team’s resurgence.
The list of recent draft hits is long: Jonathon Cooper, RJ Harvey, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, Riley Moss, Jahdae Barron, Que Robinson-the Broncos have been stacking talent. And while no GM hits 100%, Paton’s batting average lately has been impressive.
Free agency? Same story.
Denver has been aggressive and smart. Zach Allen, Mike McGlinchey, Ben Powers, Brandon Jones, JK Dobbins, Talanoa Hufanga-all key additions.
The trade for John Franklin-Myers added more muscle to the defensive front. Even flipping Devaughn Vele for an early fourth-round pick shows the kind of savvy that’s become the norm for this front office.
This isn’t just about one or two good decisions. It’s a pattern.
A trend. A front office that’s found its rhythm and is building a roster the right way-through a blend of smart drafting, calculated free-agent signings, and a clear alignment between the GM, head coach, and ownership.
Yes, the Wilson trade and Hackett hire were major missteps. But Paton didn’t let those define him.
He adjusted. He learned.
And now, he’s thriving in a more stable, supportive structure. That’s what good executives do-they evolve.
The Broncos have momentum, a core that’s clicking, and a front office that’s firing on all cylinders. Paton’s earned another contract. He’s helped build a contender, and the chemistry between him and Sean Payton is a big part of that success.
Now it’s about keeping the band together. Denver has something good going, and it starts at the top.