There has been much speculation in recent weeks about Sean Payton returning to the NFL. Now things are getting more concrete: Apparently, the 58-year-old wants to return to the New Orleans Saints. But not alone, it seems he wants to bring a very specific quarterback with him: Tom Brady.

Analogous to European football, rumours abound in the NFL as well. Especially now that the season is coming to an end, the traded personnel are sprouting up again.

While most of it is taken note of at best, the latest rumour makes people sit up and take notice: apparently Sean Payton wants to return to the New Orleans Saints as head coach. Not only that, but the offensive genius wants to bring a very specific quarterback with him to the “Big Easy”: None other than Tom Brady.

Sean Payton’s plans: “The worst-kept secret in the league “

At least that’s what “NBC” wants to know from an insider. There have already been reports in recent weeks that Payton is recruiting a renowned coaching staff for his upcoming project. According to this, Vic Fangio is supposed to lead the defence of the upcoming team.

Apparently, this upcoming team is Payton’s last team, the New Orleans Saints. According to the report, the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers, currently the only teams without a head coach for next season, are not options for the 2007 Super Bowl winner.

Payton still has a valid contract in New Orleans anyway. Since the Saints are also currently without a designated franchise quarterback, there would also be nothing standing in the way of Tom Brady in theory. The seven-time champion becomes a free agent in March.

As the report indicates, Payton’s plans are “the league’s worst-kept secret.” Also no secret is that the Miami Dolphins tried to convince both Payton and Brady to trade last offseason – without permission. The Dolphins were severely punished for so-called “tampering”.

Whether and how realistic this scenario is, however, is pure speculation. Currently, this scenario seems unrealistic.

However, a Brady departure from New England was also unthinkable at the time…