It doesn't sound like the Saints would stand in the way of coach Sean Payton leaving to join the Rams — as long as they're appropriately compensated, of course.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis "would be open" to trading Payton to the Rams, The Times-Picayune reported, adding that the coach and GM met for about an hour after Sunday's season-ending loss to the Falcons.
It's unclear what the Saints might need in return from the Rams to make a deal. But the opportunity to be out from under Payton's new contract, which pays him an average of $9 million a year, would seem likely to keep the price reasonable for the Rams.
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Of course, that assumes Payton is indeed the coach they want. Reports over the weekend indicated the Rams have a lengthy list of candidates they plan to interview as they seek a replacement for Jeff Fisher, who was fired last month.
They certainly could do worse than Payton, who is 94-65 in 10 seasons as New Orleans' coach. But the Super Bowl XLIV championship seems distant after three consecutive 7-9 seasons — which is exactly why the Saints appear willing to let him go.
