ESPN reports that Sean Payton could become a free agent at the end of the current season after the NFL voided his multi-year contract extension through the 2015 season with the Saints.

There was immediate speculation Payton would end up in Dallas where he served as an assistant coach and where be bought a home early last year.

However, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports said Sunday that Payton told him "I absolutely plan on being a New Orleans Saint."

ESPN reported that Payton's contract extension was voided earlier this year, but the NFL said Sunday that the league has "made no determination" on the status of Payton's contract.  "Any comment regarding the matter should come from Coach Payton and the Saints," the league said.

At issue, ESPN quoted sources as saying, is one specific clause in the agreement that would allow Payton to leave the Saints if general manager Mickey Loomis was suspended, fired, or left the organization.

Both Payton and Loomis were suspended earlier this year for their alleged roles in the Saints bounty program.

ESPN reported that some believe Payton's strong relationship with Tom Benson will enough to keep him in New Orleans long term.

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