Many believe Drew Brees could be playing his final game in a New Orleans Saints uniform on Sunday when the team takes on the Atlanta Falcons. The quarterback has not had the most ideal season, but continues to prove he is an elite option on the field even when injured. However, with a huge contract to his name for 2016 the Saints might aim to move on from him. According to Brees, he does not see that happening.
Rumors have been swirling since last year that the Saints could be looking to trade or release Brees at the end of this season. Tension was reported after Brees demanded a max contract and now he is a $30 million hit next season. The Saints simply cannot afford to keep that on the pay roll when rebuilding is needed in other areas. According to Brees, that does not mean he is leaving New Orleans after this year.
"Bottom line, I don't see myself in any other helmet than a Saints helmet and I don't see myself playing for any coach other than Sean Payton," Brees said, via Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com. "I know there's all kind of speculation, especially when you're not heading to the playoffs. Everybody immediately wants to jump to what are they going to do this offseason and how's it going to look for next season. I'm confident that a plan was laid out last offseason for how we're going to build this thing back to where we can make a run."
Brees might not see himself playing anywhere else, but it unclear if the Saints feel the same way. One thing is certain, if Brees intends to stay put, a pay cut will be needed. The Saints need to lower the cap hit of Brees which will take some creativity and shifting on incentives. If a new contract cannot be agreed upon, Brees will be headed elsewhere and a number of teams could show interest.
If for some reason, Brees is available in the upcoming offseason, teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins could all show interest in the record-breaking quarterback. Brees has proven time and time again that he is an elite quarterback even with his age and recent injuries. If the Saints cannot afford to keep him on, another team will swoop in quickly.
For now, Brees plans on staying put. The same cannot be said for Payton who is on the hot seat. If Payton is gone in 2016, does that mean Brees is out too? The Saints have plenty of rebuilding to do in the offseason and changes will be made to the roster. If just remains to be seen how big those changes are.
