Paton's career in the NFL began in 2000 when he joined the Miami Dolphins as the Director of Pro Personnel. He spent six seasons with the Dolphins, where he was responsible for evaluating NFL talent and managing the team's scouting department.
In 2007, Paton moved to the Minnesota Vikings, where he served as the Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel. During his tenure, the Vikings made multiple playoff appearances and built a reputation for their strong roster. Paton played a crucial role in this success, overseeing both the college and pro scouting departments and assisting with player contract negotiations.
Paton's work with the Vikings caught the attention of several teams, and he was often considered for general manager positions. However, he chose to stay with the Vikings until 2021, when he accepted the General Manager position with the Denver Broncos.
As the Broncos' General Manager, Paton is responsible for all aspects of the team's football operations. He oversees the player personnel department, manages the team's salary cap, and is involved in player acquisition and contract negotiations. Despite his relatively short tenure with the Broncos, Paton has already made significant moves to improve the team's roster and competitive standing.
Throughout his career, Paton has been recognized for his ability to identify and develop talent. He has a reputation for his thorough and meticulous approach to player evaluation, and his work has contributed to the success of several NFL teams. Despite his off-field role, Paton's impact on the game is undeniable, and he continues to shape the future of the teams he works with.
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