Denver Broncos General Manager George Paton just locked in a new five-year contract through the 2030 season—a well-earned vote of confidence for a front office leader who has navigated the franchise through some of its toughest waters since the Peyton Manning era. To celebrate the fresh ink, let's break down Paton's six best moves since he took the helm in 2021.
1. Cutting Ties with Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson
Sometimes the best decisions are the hardest ones. Firing head coach Nathaniel Hackett and moving on from quarterback Russell Wilson—despite absorbing a then-record $85 million in dead money—was painful but necessary. That financial hit forced the Broncos to get creative, focusing on the draft and strategic trades rather than big free-agent splashes. While ownership ultimately made the call on Hackett and head coach Sean Payton had major input on Wilson's exit, Paton played a key role in cleaning up his own earlier missteps. It was a tough pill, but it set the stage for a fresh start.
2. Luring Sean Payton Out of Retirement
After the Hackett firing, Denver needed a proven, championship-caliber leader. Sean Payton had stepped away from the New Orleans Saints after the 2021 season to join the broadcast booth, but Paton and the Broncos weren't about to let him stay there long. They traded a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a third-rounder in 2024 to bring the offensive mastermind back to the sideline. Looking back, that bold move has paid off in a big way.
3. Drafting Bo Nix
This one is almost too easy. Bo Nix has led the Broncos to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, and in 2025, the team was just a fractured ankle away from a Super Bowl appearance. Nix's early success has restored championship hopes to Mile High, and expectations are sky-high heading into 2026.
4. Locking Up In-House Talent Early
Paton has quietly put on a masterclass in extending key players before their contracts expire, consistently beating the rising market for positional value. The list is impressive: cornerback Pat Surtain signed a four-year, $96 million extension in 2024, making him the highest-paid defensive back in the league. That kind of proactive approach keeps the core intact and the cap sheet manageable—a formula every contender needs.