Miami Dolphins Reportedly Planned to Pursue Sean Payton, Tom Brady

The Dolphins were looking to make a big splash this offseason.

Apparently they wanted Sean Payton and Tom Brady.

Instead they settled for new Head Coach Mike McDaniel, and the plan going forward at QB will be Tua Tagovailoa.

Prior to Brian Flores’ lawsuit, the Dolphins plan was to pursue Sean Payton as their head coach and Tom Brady as their quarterback.

Via Pro Football Talk:

“On the record, Dolphins declined comment. Team sources who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issues confirmed that the team contacted the Saints to seek permission to speak to Payton. The Saints, per Dolphins sources, declined the request, which they contend was made after Payton resigned on Tuesday, January 25 but before Flores filed his lawsuit one week later.

By rule, the Dolphins first would have had to reach an agreement with the Saints as to potential compensation for hiring Payton. Once an agreement had been reached, the Dolphins then would have had to work out an agreement directly with Payton.

As to Brady, Dolphins sources contend that internal discussions occurred regarding the possibility of adding Brady as a minority owner, but that those considerations currently are on hold. The delay, per Dolphins sources, has nothing to do with the lawsuit; it’s more about the uncertain status of Brady’s retirement from playing. Once it’s clear he’s not coming back to play for the Buccaneers or some other team, the plan for selling a piece of the team to Brady could proceed.

Rumors have persisted for two years regarding Brady’s potential involvement with the Dolphins, either as a player or as a partial owner. The connection arises from Brady’s friendship with Bruce Beal, a significant limited partner who is poised to eventually purchase the team from Stephen Ross. Indeed, as Brady approached free agency in 2020, the Patriots were very concerned that Brady would join the Dolphins as a player — with partial ownership on the table.”

Before the Brian Flores lawsuit was filed, the Dolphins had planned to attempt to finagle a Sean Payton/Tom Brady package deal for 2022. https://t.co/37l1Aq1tiH

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 28, 2022

Team sources say the Saints declined the request, which would have been the first step in potentially bringing Payton to Miami.

Sounds like wishful thinking for the Dolphins.

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