Something weird is going on this offseason. Quarterbacks that nobody would’ve ever thought might be available are suddenly lining up as possibilities. Deshaun Watson wants out of Houston. Russell Wilson is threatening to force his way out of Seattle. Even Dak Prescott may find a way to slip away from Dallas. The Chicago Bears have to be thinking their odds aren’t terrible for landing a true difference-maker.
Now it appears the craziness might be intensifying. At the end of this past season, pretty much everybody assumed that longtime New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees would end up retiring. He’s 42-years old and clearly doesn’t possess the same arm strength he did a few years ago. The belief was he was ready to step away and hand the keys to Jameis Winston. However, speculation is ramping up that he may be reconsidering. This after his trainer Todd Durkin posted an interesting workout video on Instagram.
One with a cryptic line in it.
“Not sure WHY he’s so cra-cra today but something must be brewing.”
Drew Brees doesn't look like a guy about to announce his retirement. pic.twitter.com/FcPMa6TsH2
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 27, 2021
Is it possible Brees may want to return for one more year in 2021? Based on how last season ended, throwing for just 134 yards with three interceptions in a loss to the eventual champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers? One can understand that leaving a foul taste in the mouth of a competitor like him. He’d rather go out on a higher note.
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The problem is will the Saints want him back? It’s already been apparent for some time they’ve been looking beyond Brees. They were in pursuit of Tom Brady last offseason until he decided to return, a decision that Adam Schefter said surprised them. Now with a ton of salary cap issues, his wanting to run it back again could throw a wrench into their plans. There’s even speculation they could be in play for Wilson.
It is evident they feel it’s probably time to move on. If Brees forces their hand, would they cut him loose?
"If he hadn't come back, I really believe there is a chance that Tom Brady would've been the Saints quarterback this year." – @AdamSchefter on @RichEisenShow
Brees deciding to come back in 2020 surprised the #Saints. Would they had won a SB with Brady?https://t.co/MERNVE9OPY
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 23, 2021
Chicago Bears would jump on Brees without a second thought
Plenty of Bears fans would hate the idea. Why bring in a guy like Brees who is old and can’t throw deep like he used to? It’d be a terrible fit. The answer is obvious. They aren’t seeing the big picture. GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy need to win this year. Making the playoffs with a winning record is a must. Think about what they’d feel more comfortable with. Nick Foles? Sam Darnold? Marcus Mariota? A rookie? All are shaky options.
Even at his advanced age, Brees is an effective quarterback. In 12 games last season, he threw for 2,942 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He completed over 70% of his passes. Perhaps his many years of outrageous statistical production have elevated expectations to such a point that nothing short of spectacular isn’t good enough.
Do you think Pace and Nagy wouldn’t gladly take a season like that?
Even Brees at 75% is still better than anything the Chicago Bears have right now. Pace has deep ties to him, having worked in the Saints organization for over a decade. Taking a one-year flier on a Hall of Famer should give them a good chance to reach the postseason. That would save their jobs and buy time to figure out the position long-term. This situation is going to be fascinating to watch.