AP

The Saints got coach Sean Payton back a bit earlier than expected, but they won’t be getting their second-round pick back.

Goodell mentioned that during an online chat on Reddit.com, via the New Orleans Times Picayune.

Asked if there was any chance of the team getting back the pick, Goodell replied: “No, the penalty will continue to include the 2nd round draft choice in 2013.”

That’s the first definite word on the pick, after some speculation it might be returned. The Saints also lost last year’s second-rounder, among other penalties.

The Saints could have certainly used the draft-pick ammunition, as they try to fix the league’s all-time worst defense (in terms of yards allowed) by shifting to a 3-4.