Sean Payton Plans To ‘Remain A Saint’ Amongst Contract Speculation

Even though the Saints aren't playing until tomorrow night on Monday Night Football, Saints fans woke up to some pretty discouraging headlines. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, within the past year, the multiyear contract extension that would have kept Sean Payton in New Orleans until 2015, was voided by the NFL, making the suspended head coach a free agent after this season.

Almost immediately, questions began to pop up on how much longer we will see Payton in New Orleans. Even before this new information broke, rumors of Sean Payton heading to Dallas to coach the Cowboys have always loomed over the Who Dat Nation. After all, Payton did work in the Big D as an assistant head coach from 2003-2005, when Dallas brought in quarterback Tony Romo, who attended the same college (Eastern Illinois) as Payton.

As if the bounty drama wasn't enough, now we are seeing the saga shift towards Payton's contract. There is a very specific clause in the contract enabling Payton to walk away from the deal if Saints GM Mickey Loomis was suspended, fired or left the New Orleans Saints organization, according to sources.

In a statement released this morning the NFL says they have "made no determination" on Payton's contract.

"All contracts between clubs and their employees must be approved by the commissioner, and we do not comment on specific terms of individual contracts," the statement said. "Any comment regarding the matter should come from Coach Payton and the Saints."

Some say Payton will become a free agent and may very well end up with the Cowboys, if not some other NFL team. Jay Glazer spoke with the suspended New Orleans Saints head coach who told the FOXsports.com reporter, "I absolutely plan on being a New Orleans Saint," citing his ties with the City of New Orleans, and Tom Benson & family - the owners of the Saints franchise.

Sean Payton has been working for the New Orleans Hornets - Benson's NBA franchise - during his suspension, and the Saints went above and beyond to keep Brees in New Orleans with a record-breaking contract, so all arrows seem to point at Sean Payton NOT leaving the Big Easy.

But don't be fooled, there is still a big chance that Payton will test the waters if he indeed does become a free agent, and potentially become the most sought-after NFL head coach in 2013.

Do you think Sean Payton will leave New Orleans if he becomes a free agent after this season? Comment below with your thoughts!