If Drew Brees had retired after last season, as the Saints believed, New Orleans’ backup plan was to sign Tom Brady – and he was interested in going, league sources told ESPN .
In the opinion of sources familiar with the situation, a union between Brady and the Saints was more realistic than many thought – and lasted until the days before the free agency opened, despite previous public comments by Brees in mid-February that he was engaged. play in 2020.
Saints coach Payton and Brady share a respectful relationship, and the Saints believed they could land Brady, sources say.
But the idea of the move was contingent on Brees retiring, which he ultimately chose not to do this year. New Orleans’ wait to sue Brady lasted until mid-March, shortly before Brees finally agreed to sign a two-year, $ 50 million contract on March 13. Four days later, Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached a two-year deal. $ 50 million fully secured transaction.
But in the days leading up to the two deals, the Saints organization discussed how the former New England Patriots quarterback might fit into the New Orleans offense, sources say. At the time, Brees was considering TV offers, including the one he eventually accepted from NBC to become an analyst for the network whenever he finished acting.
But Brees considered starting his television career this season, which would have opened the door for Brady to land in New Orleans rather than Tampa Bay.
The Saints weren’t the only team interested in Brady, as the Los Angeles Chargers expressed interest and had conversations with the six-time Super Bowl champion, and the Miami Dolphins also expressed interest and did a late race, although those discussions never progressed.
But Brady eventually ended up with the Buccaneers and, at 43, is set to play for an NFL team other than the Patriots for the first time on Sunday when Tampa Bay visits Brees and the Saints. The NFC South showdown will be the first game in NFL history that involves two quarantine starting quarterbacks.
Brees, 41, is the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards with 77,416 and touchdowns with 547. Brady is second in both categories at 74,571 and 541. The first of two games scheduled this year. The season will mark the first time the NFL’s top two in career yards passing have played in the same game since 1998 (Dan Marino of Miami and John Elway of Denver).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
.
