Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton appears to have spoken too soon, and now his remarks have resurfaced following the latest league-shaking trade news to make the rounds with the official start of the offseason still to come on Wednesday.
Payton offered candid thoughts, suggesting he would personally contribute to making one of, if not the, blockbuster moves of the offseason happen.
Instead, days after it seemed settled, the Broncos’ head coach is back at Square 1.
Broncos Get Bad News About Maxx Crosby Trade
Payton said that he would foot the bill for a private plane to transport Maxx Crosby after the Las Vegas Raiders traded the All-Pro pass rusher to the Baltimore Ravens ahead of the start of free agency.
Three days later, the Raiders announced that the deal was no longer taking place.
There has been no specific reason officially provided by either club, but the Raiders released a statement placing blame.
“The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby,” the Raiders posted on X on March 10, announcing news that put the entire NFL up in arms. “We will have no further comment at this time.”
ESPN’s Ian Rapoport reported that it was due to concerns over Crosby’s balky knee.
Almost immediately, Payton’s comments came back to haunt him and the Broncos.
“Hope Sean Payton didn’t actually pay for that charter flight to Baltimore…,” the Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted in reaction, with DNVR’s Zac Stevens echoing the sentiment.
Crosby clearly expected to be a Raven, not set to renew his rivalry against Payton and the Broncos, posting a farewell message to Las Vegas that included his hello to Baltimore. He also posted a picture of himself landing in Baltimore ahead of his ill-fated physical.
This does not mean the Raiders will not trade Crosby; they almost have to after breaking up.
However, they will receive a diminished return with news that his knee issue is problematic enough for one team to call off one deal already.
Sean Payton’s Comments Born Out of Respect for Maxx Crosby
Payton is no stranger to ruffling feathers with his comments, but the Broncos head coach’s remarks about Crosby were made out of respect for the veteran superstar.
“Sean Payton called me soooo fired up the Raiders traded Maxx Crosby and even just texted Maxx saying he’s offering to pay a private plane one-way flight to Baltimore, happy to see him out of the division. Funny,” Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported on X on March 7. “But also added, ‘You are an inspiration to watch and compete against.’
“Payton has long raved about how Maxx never slows down during games.”
Crosby has been a menace to many opposing quarterbacks, including Broncos passers two times every season. That he is back looms large for Payton and Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who is recovering from a broken bone in his ankle this offseason.