NFL News: January 31, 2023

Even though there are just two teams remaining in the NFL Playoffs, things have not slowed down when it comes to league news. In fact, this is one of the busiest times of the year for most teams as they are looking to make improvements to their roster or coaching staff. 

The biggest news stories that come out will be surrounding the NFL, but there were some big stories to come out on the final day of January. Here is a look at three stories that drew plenty of attention from NFL and sports fans. 

Payton Traded to Broncos

The Denver Broncos were a team searching for a new head coach, and they had to complete a trade in order to get the man that they wanted. On Tuesday, it was announced that the Denver Broncos had reached a deal with the New Orleans Saints in order to bring in Sean Payton. 

The trade is going to cost the Broncos a first-round draft pick this year and a second-round draft pick next year. Denver will also have to negotiate a new contract with Payton, and they are expected to make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the league. 

The Broncos fired Nathaniel Hackett during the 2022 season, which was the first for Hackett in Denver. There will be a ton of pressure put on Payton to fix an offense that was a nightmare this season. 

Texans Tab Ryans As Next Head Coach

The Houston Texans were another team that was in need of a head coach after firing Lovie Smith at the conclusion of the season. Smith was never expected to be a long-term solution as head coach, but Houston is going in a new direction. 

Houston has reached an agreement with DeMeco Ryans, who has spent the last two seasons as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. This deal is expected to be six years in length, and that will give Ryans some time before there is too much pressure applied. 

Ryans was a top target for a number of the franchises that had a head coaching vacancy. He interviewed with Texas back on January 20 and is now the third straight African American coach in team history. 

Ryans should be comfortable back in Houston, as he was a terrific linebacker with the Texans during his NFL career. 

Huntley to the Pro Bowl

Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley has been chosen as a Pro Bowl replacement player for injured quarterback Josh Allen. This news came as a surprise to many around the league, as Huntley managed to throw just two touchdown passes this season. 

Huntley also made just six starts at the quarterback position this season, but there just weren’t any better options. Derek Carr and Trevor Lawrence were also added to the Pro Bowl roster after all of the top choices had been ruled out. 

The 2023 NFL Pro Bowl Game is set to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it will be a flag football game this time around.

Keep up with your latest NFL news coverage and betting pick previews at The Dunkel Index.

All Media on this page by Associated Press.