ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- 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 announced Paton's hiring on Wednesday but did not disclose terms.

Paton has control over the team's roster, free agency, and the draft. The Broncos have missed the playoffs in five consecutive seasons since the Super Bowl 50 win and finished this past season 5-11.

Elway had promised to find the "best candidate, the best person" for the job. 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.

Elway, who has been the Broncos' top football decision-maker since 2011, announced on Jan. 4 he was stepping away from the day-to-day personal operations but would remain as president of football operations at least through the final year of his current contract.

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