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Report: Colts pursued trade for Saints' Payton for 2nd straight season

Derick E. Hingle / USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts' reported pursuit of Jon Gruden isn't the only way the team explored upgrading its coaching situation this offseason.

The Colts and New Orleans Saints discussed a potential deal involving Saints head coach Sean Payton, sources told CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, with talks breaking down over draft-pick compensation.

Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward denied the report.

"It's totally fictitious," Ward said, according to FOX 59's Mike Chappell. "This is the age of false information. It's believable."

If the Colts did indeed discuss a deal with the Saints, it would be the second consecutive year the teams have had such discussions about Payton, a Super Bowl winner and the NFL's Coach of the Year in 2006.

Owners of the two teams were not involved in the talks, according to La Canfora, but were aware of the mutual interest in a deal.

Ultimately, the Saints asked for more in return than the Colts were willing to surrender.

The Colts fired general manager Ryan Grigson on Saturday. Head coach Chuck Pagano's job is believed to be safe.

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