Report: Dolphins planned to go after Brady, Payton for 2022 season

The Miami Dolphins planned to pursue Sean Payton for its head coaching position and Tom Brady to be the starting quarterback for the 2022 campaign, sources told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.

The organization halted the idea after former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL and three teams - Miami, the New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos - alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices.

Miami reached out to the New Orleans Saints to get permission to speak with Payton following news of him stepping down from his head coaching role, but the Saints declined the request, Florio adds.

The Dolphins also reportedly explored adding Brady as a minority owner. However, Miami paused those plans due to the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback's uncertain future following his retirement, Florio notes.

The 44-year-old retired earlier this offseason but previously said "never say never" about a potential comeback. The Buccaneers also reportedly haven't ruled out Brady returning.

The Dolphins hired former San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel as their next head coach earlier this month. The club heads into the 2022 campaign with former top-five pick Tua Tagovailoa penciled in as the starting quarterback.