The Carolina Panthers waited to pounce.
After interviewing the likes of Steve Wilks, Jim Caldwell and Frank Reich this past week, the Panthers turned their attention to the Sean Payton Sweepstakes during the weekend. On Sunday, Carolina received permission from the New Orleans Saints to speak with Payton, according to a league source.
Payton has two years left on his contract with the Saints, so teams interested in the Super Bowl winner had to ask for permission to speak with him. The teams aren’t allowed to have an in-person conversation with Payton until Tuesday, as NFL rules state that anyone under contract with a club can’t visit with an external squad until Jan. 17.