Details: The report comes from Michael McCarthy (Front Office Sports) and states that the Panthers are willing to wait until next season to land Payton, who stepped down as Saints’ head coach earlier this year.

Payton's Plan: Payton, 58, is expected to serve as a TV analyst in 2022 before re-emerging as a head coach in 2023.

• He has offers from Fox Sports and Amazon.

Trade: If/when another team hires Payton, they will have to compensate the Saints, who hold his rights through the 2024 season. McCarthy believes the cost could be “as high as a first- or second-round draft pick.”

Other Suitors: McCarthy also mentions the Cowboys, Bears, and Dolphins as “possible suitors.”