NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 10: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to throw a pass against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Sunday is the 15th anniversary of his signing with the Saints, so will Drew Brees announce his retirement?
The scene after a Divisional Round playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers said it all–Drew Brees was going to retire. He restructured his contract to help Saints get to the salary cap, but then a workout video spurred the idea he wanted to keep playing.
In March of 2006, Brees hit free agency with the major question mark of a significant injury to his right shoulder. It was possible his throwing shoulder would never be the same, and shorten his career. The Miami Dolphins didn’t take the risk, instead choosing Daunte Culpepper, who was also coming off a major injury. The Saints took the risk and signed Brees, paired him with then-new head coach Sean Payton, and the rest is history.
Drew Brees signed with the Saints 15 years ago Sunday
On March 14, 2006, Brees signed with the Saints. As Jeff Duncan of The Athletic suggests, it would be fitting and “on brand” for him to announce his retirement on Sunday, the 15th anniversary of his signing. As a long-time Saints’ reporter, maybe Duncan has some inside knowledge.
During Super Bowl week, Payton suggested Brees would make his retirement announcement within a week or two. That was six weeks ago, and the timing of his announcement makes no real difference to the Saints in terms of cap implications. They can split his cap hit between this year and next regardless of when he makes the announcement.
So as the day goes on Sunday, aheaad of the NFL’s legal tampering period for free agency starting on Monday, “Brees Watch” might become a thing. The Saints would definitely like the clarity knowing his status will bring, with the small percentage chance he keeps playing officially going away.