Denver Broncos reach deal with Minnesota Vikings' George Paton to be general manager - ESPN

-- John Elway and the Denver Broncos wanted George Paton to be the team's new general manager so much, Paton was given a longer deal than Elway ever had in the same job.

Paton, who has spent the past 13 years with the Minnesota Vikings, has agreed to a six-year deal to be the Broncos' general manager, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Broncos also interviewed New Orleans Saints assistant general manager Terry Fontenot, Chicago Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly, the New England Patriots' Dave Ziegler and the Broncos' director of college scouting Brian Stark.

We're thrilled to name George Paton as general manager of the Denver Broncos.".

Elway also said he didn't think the team's current ownership battle between Pat Bowlen's children would affect the Broncos' ability to secure what he believed would be a top candidate.

In recent days, Elway and team president and CEO Joe Ellis each promised that the new general manager would have "the resources" to make improvements.

Last year, following Kevin Stefanski's departure for Cleveland, Paton was a finalist for the Cleveland Browns' general manager position but pulled his name from contention on Jan.