Broncos coach Payton hints at moving on from QB Wilson

Sean Payton isn’t providing anything definitive on Russell Wilson’s time in Denver but he did hint at the Broncos moving on from him when he suggested the team cannot afford to miss on “the next one” at quarterback. Payton met with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis Tuesday and said the club should know by the end of next week what direction they’ll take at QB. Asked if he embraced the idea of finding a solution at quarterback, one that’s eluded coaches and general managers ever since Peyton Manning retired eight years ago, Payton retorted, “Yeah, we better. In this league, which is very competitive in our division, it’s vital.” The Broncos pick 12th in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Falcons cut ex-Patriot Smith

The Falcons released tight end Jonnu Smith in a cost-cutting move. Smith, 28, a former Patriot, set career highs with 50 receptions for 582 yards in his reunion with former Falcons coach Arthur Smith in 2023. Jonnu Smith had three touchdown catches. In 19 games with New England, Smith caught 55 passes for 539 yards and 1 touchdown.

BASEBALL Ohtani homers in LA debut

Shohei Ohtani needed just three exhibition atbats to show what a $700 million man can do for the Dodgers. The Japanese star hit a two-run homer in his first game wearing Dodger blue, working a full count in the fifth inning before an oppositefield shot off Dominic Leone that just cleared the left-field wall. Ohtani was hitless in his first two plate appearances, striking out on four pitches in the first inning and hitting a hard grounder into a double play in the third.

COLLEGES UConn’s Edwards: NIL deal

UConn forward Aaliyah Edwards signed a big name, image and likeness contract this week with adidas Canada, but wasn't allowed to speak with reporters in Connecticut for fear that promoting the deal might jeopardize her student visa. Under current United States law, Edwards, who is from Kingston, Ontario, and other international students can only make money in this country with passive NIL deals.

Banned players charge back

Four former or suspended Iowa State athletes contend in a court filing that evidence in a state sports wagering investigation was gathered illegally and all charges against them should be dismissed. Attorneys for former football players Isaiah Lee, Jirehl Brock and Enyi Uwazurike and suspended wrestler Paniro Johnson filed the motion to suppress.