Sean Payton backs NFL to adopt UFL model: ‘You’ll see that in the next two or three years’

Sean Payton believes the NFL can learn a thing or two from the United Football League.

The Denver Broncos head coach evidently sees the value in a growing partnership with the spring league, and has signed at least one player from the UFL in each of the last four years.

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Ahead of the 2026 season, 13 first-year players have earned NFL contracts following their spring exploits, and two will be heading to Colorado.

With that kind of pipeline, the UFL has positioned itself as an unofficial developmental league of sorts, and Payton sees value far beyond the players themselves.

Speaking to SportsBoom, the Denver HC suggested the NFL will soon become far more transparent in communicating officiating decisions to fans.

As it stands, officials are mic’d up as they announce rulings, but the league still lags behind other sports — like baseball and basketball — when it comes to transparency.

Broncos HC urges NFL to adopt UFL officiating rule

Since 2015, the NBA has provided its Last Two Minute Report, which is a play-by-play breakdown of all calls and material non-calls that occur in the last two minutes of close games.

The initiative was created in an effort to build greater awareness and understanding of the rules and processes that govern the sport, and it also serves as a mechanism of accountability to fans and the media.

Meanwhile, the MLB has opened its umpires up to scrutiny with challenges, particularly with the introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike system (ABS) this season.

Payton believes the NFL will soon adopt a model from the UFL, which sees Head of Officiating Dean Blandino explain replay decisions during live broadcasts.

The spring league has also been known to provide brief in-game interviews with the official closest to the play, and broadcast discussions between referees and command centers.

“I think a number of people feel the same way,” Payton said, about the lack of transparency in the NFL.

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“And I think every once in a while the benefit of this other league we have (UFL), I think quite honestly it’s been helpful for our league.

“Every once in a while you see something you like, and I think Dean Blandino and his crew, when we kick live right to the booth review, I think that’s healthy.

“And I think you’ll see that in the next two or three years in our league.”

Payton added it would be beneficial for fans to hear how officials arrive at a big decision. His suggestion comes after it was revealed that under a new CBA, NFL referees could soon be demoted to the UFL.

“I definitely think you’ll see that coming,” he continued.

“I think it’s healthy, and it’s certainly comforting for the fan when you can see how they arrive at decisions.

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“And I think it’s fair, especially to the officials and the people doing the review, to see what we arrived at… I think we’ll see that in the next two to three years.”

Sean Payton credits UFL for ‘helping’ NFL teams

The Broncos signed receiver Hakeem Butler and cornerback Sean Fresch Jr. this offseason, marking the fourth-straight year a player has joined the team from the UFL.

Payton was asked last month if Denver’s scouts have been deliberately targeting the spring league.

“I asked the question of the scouts the other day like, ‘UFL or CFL? Where are we getting the better (players)?'” he responded.

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“I don’t know how many years in, five, six, seven with the UFL, and I think it’s kind of becoming that, ‘OK, where’s the next market?’

“They’re getting developed somewhere. Where are they if they’re not in our league? I think to their league’s credit, it’s helping us.”

The NFL hasn’t had an official developmental league since NFL Europe folded nearly two decades ago.

But in the UFL, players have a pipeline to play in the fall, and Payton believes their officiating model could soon be seen beyond spring too.

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