NFL SHOCKER: Payton's Play-Calling U-Turn! Tua's Future in Doubt?!

NFL SHOCKER: Payton's Play-Calling U-Turn! Tua's Future in Doubt?!
Sports 25 February 2026

Indianapolis is buzzing. The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is officially underway, and the city is packed with scouts, coaches, agents, and, of course, a whole lot of draft hopefuls. Beyond the 40-yard dashes and bench press reps, though, the Combine is always a hotbed for offseason news. This year is no different, with several major stories already breaking.

NFL SHOCKER: Payton's Play-Calling U-Turn! Tua's F...

Perhaps the biggest surprise so far is coming out of Denver. Sean Payton, the offensive guru who made his name calling plays for Drew Brees in New Orleans, has decided to hand over the reins of the Broncos' offense to Davis Webb. Now, Webb's a bright young mind, no doubt, and his promotion from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator this offseason was well-deserved. But to have Payton, at 62, cede play-calling duties completely? That’s a pretty significant move.

Payton himself seems to think it's the right decision, emphasizing his desire to keep Webb in Denver. "I’ll still have opinions on plays," he joked, adding a bit of self-deprecating humor. "Mine will be the bad ones, and his will be the good ones. But I’m going to support him in that." It's an interesting dynamic, especially considering that only a little over half of NFL head coaches are expected to directly manage offensive play-calling this year. It'll be fascinating to see how this plays out for the Broncos and whether it allows Payton to focus more on the overall management of the team. Speaking of play-calling changes, Panthers head coach Dave Canales has also announced Brad Idzik will call the plays in Carolina, continuing the trend of fresh offensive minds taking control.

Meanwhile, out in Las Vegas, the Raiders are making it clear they intend to keep star edge rusher Maxx Crosby in silver and black. Despite rumors swirling about potential trade offers, General Manager John Spytek put those to rest, calling Crosby an "elite" player and emphasizing the need to retain top talent. It's a smart move; Crosby is a game-changer and a fan favorite, and keeping him happy is crucial for the Raiders' long-term success.

Finally, in Baltimore, the Ravens are focused on locking up their franchise quarterback and a key member of the offensive line. General Manager Eric DeCosta expressed confidence in reaching an extension with Lamar Jackson, putting to rest any whispers of a potential departure. And then there's center Tyler Linderbaum, who's been a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons. DeCosta revealed the team has already made a "market-setting" offer to keep Linderbaum in Baltimore. It's clear the Ravens are prioritizing stability and investing in their core players, even with the recent coaching shakeup. This Combine is shaping up to be one to remember, with plenty more news to come in the days ahead.

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Daniel Johnson

Sports journalist covering games, athletes, and sporting events.

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