The NFL is moving full steam ahead toward the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams have also begun their offseason workout programs as they ramp up for 2026 training camps.
Teams are not only rounding out their rosters through a wave of free agency, but they are also finalizing their draft boards. Some teams stayed busy in free agency, while others remained relatively quiet.
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The Denver Broncos stayed quiet in free agency. They did, however, make a blockbuster trade for Jaylen Waddle.
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Despite the trade, fans and media questioned why the Broncos were not more active in free agency. That criticism appeared to bother head coach Sean Payton, who spoke to the media in Phoenix.
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Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
When asked about fans’ early free agency concerns, Payton quickly stated that they tune out the noise.
“There was a lot of angst when we selected Bo [Nix] where we selected him. There was a lot of angst when we made quite a few of these decisions. You have to tune that out.” Payton said.
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Payton became defensive about free agency moves. He pointed out that teams often look back at their decisions and reconsider their choices. Hindsight is 20/20.
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Payton then leaned further into his frustration with criticism surrounding free agency. He took a shot at the NFL Network’s popular news coverage show “Free Agency Frenzy”.
Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton during the first half in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
“What is the next word that comes after free agency from the NFL Network and from NFL.com?” Payton asked the media.
“‘Frenzy,’ frenzy is what you don’t want. Frenzy implies that it has to happen, chaos… It’s all marketing.”
Talk about striking a nerve. This is who Payton is. Instead of taking accountability and accepting criticism, he often deflects and points fingers.
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As a prime example, consider his in-game decision-making. In the AFC Championship Game, facing a 4th-and-1 while leading 7-0, Payton had a decision to make.
Dec 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton stands on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
He could have extended the lead to 10 with his backup quarterback and a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Instead, he made a baffling play call that failed. Cameras showed him scolding his backup quarterback after the play as Jarrett Stidham jogged to the sidelines.
The decision came back to bite Payton as the Broncos lost 10-7. Instead of taking accountability, he blamed not anticipating future bad weather in his postgame press conference.
A few weeks later, he fired his offensive coordinator — even though he calls the plays.
So, Payton getting in his feelings should not come as a surprise. Even in response to a simple inquiry about the Broncos’ lack of activity during the opening week of free agency, he cannot help but deflect perceived criticism.