Broncos reach deal to make Payton coach
The Broncos agreed to a deal with the Saints that will make Sean Payton their head coach, according to reports Tuesday.
The Saints will receive the Broncos’ 2023 firstround pick (No. 29 overall) and 2024 second-round pick for Payton and the Saints’ 2024 third-rounder.
The Broncos are expected to make Payton one of the highest-paid head coaches in the league.
Payton, 59, remained under contract with Saints after stepping down last year and working in broadcasting this season.
In 15 seasons with the Saints, Payton went 152-89. He led the Saints to a 31-17 win over the Colts in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2009 season. He stepped away last year when QB Drew Brees retired.
The Broncos, who went 5-12 in 2022, fired rookie coach Nathaniel Hackett on Dec. 26.
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers said he doesn’t expect to make a decision on whether to play next season until after the
Super Bowl. The 39-yearold four-time league MVP has said he’s still making up his mind on whether he wants to return to the Packers for a 19th season, retire or request a trade.
Baseball: The Rays and INF Yandy Díaz agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing. The club has an option for a fourth year with no buyout. Díaz, 31, hit .296 with nine HRs and 57 RBI in 137 games last season. ... Former All-Star OF Dexter Fowler announced that he’s retiring after 14 seasons. Fowler, 36, played for five different teams in his career. He was a key member of the Cubs when they won the World Series in 2016.
Texas Tech erased a 23-point deficit after halftime for its first Big 12 win of the season, with De’Vion Harmon scoring all 16 of his points after the break in an 80-77 OT victory at home against No. 13 Iowa State on Monday night. It was the biggest comeback in program history.