NFL Rumors: Sean Payton to Have 'Final Say' on Broncos GM George Paton's Firing

Having already made one significant decision about Russell Wilson's future with the Denver Broncos, Sean Payton is going to be in charge of another key figure in the team's front office.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Payton is expected to have "final say" on whether or not George Paton stays on as general manager after this season.

Payton announced on Dec. 27 that Wilson was being benched for the final two games of the season. The move is the first step in what's expected to result in the nine-time Pro Bowler being released by the Broncos during the offseason.

If Denver decides to move on from Wilson, it will come at a significant cost to the team.

Even though Paton has the title of general manager, there's little doubt that Payton is pulling the strings with the roster decisions.

In April, Woody Paige of the Denver Gazette reported Paton "won't make a pick or a trade without Payton's approval."

Schefter noted both men "have worked well together this season," but the Broncos are Payton's organization "and he gets to shape it how he wants it."

There was little doubt Payton would have significant influence over everything within the organization when the Broncos traded a 2023 first-round pick and 2024 second-round pick to the New Orleans Saints to acquire his rights.

Payton subsequently signed a deal with the Broncos reported to be worth around $18 million per season over five years.

When a team invests that much draft capital and money in a coach, it's safe to assume they are going to have a lot of power.

Paton was hired as Denver's general manager in January 2021. He spent the previous 14 seasons working in the Minnesota Vikings front office.

The Broncos can finish with their first winning record since 2016 if they defeat the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.