Update:
Adam Schefter denies the report from NFL Network that the Broncos made another run at hiring DeMeco Ryans before pivoting back to Sean Payton .
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Broncos made another attempt to hire 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans as their head coach on Tuesday.
However, Rapoport says that Ryans recommitted to the Texans. This is when the Broncos moved to finalize a trade for former Saints HC Sean Payton.
Here’s the succession of events regarding the Broncos’ search from the last few days, per Rapoport:
It’s interesting that the Broncos’ preferred multiple options to committing to a deal for Payton. Beyond that, the Broncos will need to pay Payton a large salary as part of this deal.
The Broncos are trading a 2023 first-round pick (SF) and a 2024 second-round pick to the Saints for Payton and the Saints’ 2024 third-round pick.
Ryans was clearly a top candidate this cycle and opted to go back to Houston and coach the team he previously played for, despite the overtures from Denver.
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