George Paton, Terry Fontenot get second GM interviews with Broncos

The Denver Broncos appear to have settled on two finalists for their open general manager position: George Paton of the Minnesota Vikings and Terry Fontenot of the New Orleans Saints.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report Tuesday that Paton is flying to Denver today for an in-person interview. KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis first reported that Fontenot will get a second interview via Zoom.

Because the Saints are still in the playoffs, Fontenot is not eligible for in-person interviews. The Broncos’ third GM candidate, George Kelly of the Chicago Bears, didn’t get a second interview.

While Kelly doesn’t have a second interview scheduled, both Klis and KOA Radio’s Brandon Krisztal reported Tuesday that he is still in the running. He might be a backup option.

The Detroit Lions have strong interest in Paton and Fontenot is among the favorites to get the Atlanta Falcons’ job. If Paton lands in Detroit and Fontenot lands in Atlanta, Kelly would likely get Denver’s job.

If the Broncos hire Paton or Fontenot, Kelly would make sense as a potential placement for former director of player personnel Matt Russell, who retired when Elway stepped down from his GM duties last week.