Sean Payton is gearing up to coach in Tom Brady's flag football classic, and while he won't have Jaylen Waddle on his roster this weekend, he will be working with him throughout the spring and into the regular season. Payton recently shared his thoughts on Waddle when asked by Kay Adams, highlighting the receiver's potential fit for the game.
"The minute it happened, there was an immediate thought that he would be perfect for this game," Payton said, referencing the tournament.
Waddle isn't participating in the event, which might be a relief for Payton, as it eliminates any risk of injury. Known for occasionally missing games due to injuries, Waddle has managed to keep those absences to a maximum of three games per season since entering the NFL.
The big question now is what lies ahead for Waddle financially, especially after arriving in Denver through a blockbuster trade. The trade cost Denver a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a fourth-round pick swap, signaling just how much the team is banking on his contributions.
Waddle is entering a crucial phase in his career, making a case for a contract upgrade. According to Spotrac, he's in the third year of a deal that runs through the 2028 season. While his contracts for 2026 and 2027 are essentially guaranteed, there's a potential out after the 2027 season, which could see him without a job at age 30.
This situation brings to mind General Manager George Paton's previous blockbuster trade for Russell Wilson, which included a preemptive contract extension. However, Wilson's subsequent season was the least productive of his career.
The question remains: Will Paton take a similar approach with Waddle?