Does Drew Brees plan on retiring ahead of the 2021 NFL season?
It seemed like a foregone conclusion that the veteran passer was going to call it quits once the 2020 season ended. There were multiple reports at the time saying he would, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter went as far as to say, “Everybody expects after this season Drew Brees will retire.”
But we’re approaching a full month since the last game of the season, and nearly two months since Brees last played. The long delay in announcing his potential retirment has fueled speculation as to whether he truly will call it quits.
And on Saturday, fitness trainer Todd Durkin posted a video on his Instagram page of Brees pushing a weighted sled. Durkin also posted captions on the video saying phrases like “he’s never done that” and “something must be brewing.”
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While the video could certainly just be Brees working out to stay in shape, it is interesting to see all the commentary from Durkin in addition to the video. Also, on Feb. 3, Saints coach Sean Payton told PFT Live he expected a decision from Brees” within the next week, week-and-a-half.” Fast forward over three weeks into the future, and we still have no word from Brees.
The Saints have already positioned themselves for a future without Brees. They signed backup Taysom Hill to a fairly lucrative deal, and brought Jameis Winston (who is set to be a free agent) on board to see if he’s a viable option for the future.
The team also restructured Brees’ deal to reduce his cap hit in 2021 from $36.15 million to $12.225 million, which seemingly hinted at a retirement decision.
But until Brees actually announces something, the rumor mill will continue.