Paton spurns Rams to stay with Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - George Paton (PAY-ton) has pulled his name out of the running for the St. Louis Rams' general manager job to remain with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings announced on Saturday that Paton is being promoted from director of player personnel to assistant general manager. Paton has been one of GM Rick Spielman's most trusted advisors for years. He worked with Spielman in Chicago and Miami before coming to the Vikings in 2007.

Spielman was promoted to general manager earlier this offseason, giving him full control of the football operations.

Spielman praised Paton's "work ethic, leadership, professionalism and keen eye for identifying talented football players" in a statement announcing that he would remain with the Vikings.