Sean Payton threw some major shade at one Saints decision from 2022
New Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton threw some shade at the New Orleans Saints, his former employer, on Monday. Specifically, Payton threw some shade at a particular decision that New Orleans made in 2022. The new Denver head coach was asked on Monday about Philadelphia Eagles cornerback CJ Gardner-Johnson, who was traded from New […]
New Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton threw some shade at the New Orleans Saints, his former employer, on Monday.
Specifically, Payton threw some shade at a particular decision that New Orleans made in 2022.
The new Denver head coach was asked on Monday about Philadelphia Eagles cornerback CJ Gardner-Johnson, who was traded from New Orleans to Philly just before the start of the 2022 season.
Garnder-Johnson ended up being a key player for the Eagles in 2022 — he was certainly a player that would've been nice to have in New Orleans.
And Payton isn't sure why the Saints let him get away for just a fifth-round pick.
According to Eagles reporter Brandon Lee Gowton, Payton said Philadelphia got a "steal" by acquiring Garnder-Johnson from the Saints.
Payton also added that he had no idea why New Orleans traded the talented defensive back.
There was actually a good reason why the Saints traded Gardner-Johnson. And I'm sure Payton is aware of it.
New Orleans wasn't able to come to an agreement on an extension with Garnder-Johnson. So instead of watching him walk in free agency after the 2022 season, they went ahead and traded him so they could at least get some draft compensation for him.
In retrospect, maybe the Saints should've asked for more in return for Garnder-Johnson. But they likely wouldn't have received a better deal at the time.
Trades are always a risk in the NFL. Sometimes you win a trade, and sometimes the other team does. This time, the Eagles did. But that's how it goes in the NFL. The Saints have and will continue to win their fair share of trades.
Featured image via Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
