Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald disclosed in an interview with Graham Bensinger that Broncos coach Sean Payton accused Seattle of cheating ahead of a 2024 game between the teams, per multiple outlets. According to ESPN, Payton ultimately "backed off" after the Seahawks threatened to pursue legal action if Denver went public with the allegation.
Yahoo Sports reported that Payton took issue with how the Seahawks prepared for the matchup. One Yahoo report indicated Macdonald said the team scouted plays from fan videos at training camp, though the reporting does not specify whether this was the specific activity Payton objected to or how it relates to the cheating accusation.
The controversy has added intrigue ahead of a scheduled primetime matchup between Seattle and Denver, per Field Gulls. CBS Sports described the incident as "one of the wildest stories you'll ever hear in the NFL," though the reporting available does not provide additional details about what specifically Payton alleged or how the teams resolved the dispute beyond the lawsuit threat.