All signs point to the Denver Broncos as the leader in the Sean Payton sweepstakes, Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Given the fluidity of the situation and the number of moving parts involved, things could change on a whim, so take that into consideration while trying to handicap this race. But right now, the Broncos appear to be the frontrunners for the former New Orleans Saints head coach.

The courtship between the coach and Broncos has been strong from the start and could be nearing a resolution.

Sources said Payton has scheduled a second visit with the Broncos on Wednesday in Denver as team officials there conduct interviews with finalists this week.

Payton is scheduled to meet with Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper on Monday in Charlotte, N.C. He previously interviewed via Zoom with the Houston Texans, who appear to be targeting San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as their top choice.

The Arizona Cardinals have also requested permission to speak to Payton but an interview has not been scheduled yet as the club focuses on hiring front office personnel.

Payton is among eight candidates who have interviewed with the Broncos, joining Ryans, former Colts and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, former Stanford University head coach David Shaw and University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who withdrew from consideration.

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