Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk.com) wrote a blog based on his interview with Denver Broncos general manager, George Paton, formerly a decade-long assistant GM for the Vikings. This offseason, in case you didn’t hear, Paton traded the Broncos’ future for Russell Wilson.

In his chat with Florio, George compared Wilson’s early presence and lift, inside the Denver locker room, to that of another free agent quarterback signed one memorable offseason while Paton was in Minnesota. Not 2018 Kirk Cousins, but 2009 Brett Favre.

Man, you Kirk haters just reach for any little thing you can possibly find. It’s sad, really. https://t.co/8T9lcPeVsv

— Jared Barsness (@JaredBarsNFL) May 9, 2022

Back in 2009, George Paton was the Vikings’ director of player personnel. He would get promoted to assistant GM in 2012, when his long-time friend and colleague, Rick Spielman, is named general manager (and undisputed top dog in the Vikings hierarchy). Paton was in Minnesota for Favre, McNabb, Ponder, Teddy, Keenum and Cousins. He saw it all.

No mention of Kirk Cousins

Florio was taken aback by Paton’s blatant disregard of Kirk Cousins’ locker room presence. But why? Are we surprised that Cousins didn’t immediately lift the Minnesota Vikings locker room in the same way Brett Favre once did? I mean… that isn’t news.

We’ve heard all the stories of Favre’s arrival in Minneapolis and how quickly his teammates bought into and trusted his leadership. From locker room shenanigans to in-huddle dominance, Favre was the ultimate teammate. He was the type of leader who doesn’t come around often. That’s part of why he owns a Super Bowl and multiple league MVP’s.

Kirk Cousins, on the other hand, has NEVER had that type of intangible reputation. It’s been well-documented that he struggles to grab control of a locker room in the way many great QB’s have. Hell, his voice cracks when he tries to talk to loud.

Remember when Kyle Rudolph wrote a manifesto about his time in Minnesota, thanking just about everyone ever involved with the franchise? Thousands of words and not one mention Kirk Cousins, who played QB and threw him footballs nearly half of his career with the Vikings.

Kyle Rudolph wrote a 2,000-word farewell article — a very good one, I might add — thanking several people in the Vikings organization, former teammates & QBs (including Matt Cassel!)… but he didn’t mention Kirk Cousins.

I found it interesting. Nothing more, just… interesting

— Phil Mackey ???? (@PhilMackey) March 3, 2021

Kirk is who we know he is

Whether Florio wants to admit it or not, we knew who Kirk Cousins was long before Mr. PFT chatted with George Paton over the weekend. He isn’t Brett Favre and he may not even be Russell Wilson. Kirk’s a capable pocket passer who can look really good if you give him consistent time in the pocket. Want a confident locker room leader? Find someone else.

Under Kevin O’Connell, Kirk could very well take another step forward, much like Matt Stafford did in 2021-22. But if he does, it’ll be thanks to KOC’s offensive acumen. Not because Kirk suddenly changed as a human being.

Can he improve enough to win a Super Bowl with a better offensive coaching staff? We’ll soon find out.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008, Ted Thompson recently “stepped down” from his GM position with the Packers. While he transitions to a different role within the organization, Green Bay is actively pursuing his replacement.

In their eyes, one potential candidate is Vikings’ assistant GM, George Paton. Per Friday’s reports, our neighbors to the east requested to interview Paton. Just like Xavier Rhodes does vs. opposing number 1 WRs, we shut their asses down.

Packers requested permission to interview Vikings asst GM George Paton for their GM job, per source. Vikings declined request.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 5, 2018

#RhodesClosed.

The Packers are in a slump. If this was baseball, they would have been sent back down to the minors, weeks ago. GB needs to work on their fundamentals. Get back to the basics, while enjoying 12 hour bus rides and copious amounts of chewing tobacco.

Anywho, George Paton (pronounced Payton) is currently in his 11th year with the Vikings organization. He has climbed the internal ladder all the way to his current position. As they did previously in Chicago and Miami, Paton and our current GM, Rick Spielman, are working side-by-side.

Around the league, the former UCLA DB is considered to be an up-and-coming executive. He has interviewed for GM positions in the past. Paton was expected by many to be named the 49ers GM last offseason. Ultimately, San Francisco surprised a lot of people by hiring former NFL star, John Lynch.

Spielman’s right-hand-man gets a lot of credit (rightfully so) for helping create a STACKED Vikings roster. A roster that is still going to have plenty of cap space throughout 2018:

2018 NFL Salary Cap space:

1. Browns – $118 million
2. 49ers – $117 million
3. Colts – $89 million
4. Jets – $84 million
5. Buccaneers – $70 million
6. Vikings – $60 million
7. Texans – $59 million
8. Lions – $59 million
9. Redskins – $54 million
10. Titans – $53 million

— Allan Bell, Jr. (@AllanBell247) December 28, 2017

If Minnesota wasn’t in the playoffs, we wouldn’t have the right to deny these type of requests. However, as we all know, we’re still very much in the middle of a business operation. As long as the Viking’s season continues, they can continue to block any similar Paton inquiries.

At the end of the day, this all might suck for Paton. It’s human nature to want to advance your career (and pad your bank account). If he was dipping his toes in the water last year, you’d imagine he’s wanting to do it again.

As for the rest of Purple Nation, this is ideal. Let’s hope (sorry George) that Green Bay finds Ted Thompson’s replacement prior to the end of Minnesota’s impressive 2017-18 campaign.

Actually, Minnesota Sports Fan has obtained EXCLUSIVE communication between the Packers non-“ownership” and Rick Spielman (a Packer owner got drunk and passed out near Lambeau. This was found on their phone):

The Moss mooning picture is SO much more powerful than a simple “no.” Solid choice, Rick.

You may be wondering why Minnesota didn’t do the same with the requests to interview OC Pat Shurmur. That’s because different rules apply when wanting to interview assistant coaches in comparison with executives.

In the Shurmer scenario, the Vikings didn’t have the option. As long as the interview takes place during the bye week and is for a job promotion, opposing teams can interview assistant coaches who are off the first week of the playoffs.

Again, the denial doesn’t mean the Packers, or any other team, won’t get a chance at Paton. It just means they won’t be able to do it during this playoff run. Between Shurmur, Paton, and (DC) George Edwards the entire NFC North is sticking their noses in our camp. Dear Packers, Lions, and Bears – Watch your own bobber.

#SKOL

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com