Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has an eye for talent at the quarterback position. He famously helped Drew Brees become a Super Bowl winner with the New Orleans Saints. And in 2017, he had his sights set on Patrick Mahomes.
Bo Nix: Sean Payton’s second chance
During the 2017 NFL Draft, Payton was hoping to select Patrick Mahomes to the Saints’ teambut the Kansas City Chiefs jumped ahead and snagged him for themselves – a decision that still haunts Payton to this day.
Now with the Broncos, Payton is not letting history repeat itself. In 2024, the Broncos had just ended a failed season with Russell Wilson under center and were once again looking for a new signal caller. And Payton had his eyes on Oregon prospect Bo Nix.
According to ESPN’s Seth Wickersham, it was missing out on Mahomes that led Payton to be so steadfast in his quest for Nix.
“Losing out on Patrick Mahomes was something that haunted Sean Payton.” Wickersham said. “That has haunted Sean Payton’s career that he’s had his eye on Mahomes and that the Chiefs traded up right before he was due to pick him.”
“I think that the scars from that led to him creating a system to evaluate quarterbacks that led to Bo Nix.”
Heading into the 2025 season, Payton and the Broncos will face Mahomes and the Chiefs twice in the AFC Westbut Payton feels confident in the path he’s set up for Nix to become the next franchise quarterback in Denver.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverageright at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
