Saints might already have replacement in mind for Drew Brees

The New Orleans Saints free agent plans suggest they have a replacement in mind for their future Hall of Famer.

Drew Brees has had a fantastic career, but it likely ends in the next few weeks with either a heartbreaking playoff defeat, or a thrilling Super Bowl victory. Either way, Brees will be in the broadcast booth come fall 2021, and New Orleans will feature a new quarterback under center. Who could that heir-apparent be? Sean Payton and Co. might already have a good idea.

Jameis Winston is a free agent after this season, meaning the Saints will have to pay up to bring him back. With Brees off the books, that should be relatively easy. But it speaks wonders to the progress Winston has made in one season with New Orleans.

Winston is just one season removed from leading the NFL in interceptions

In pass-happy Tampa Bay, Winston had over 5,000 yards passing, 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in 2019. That obviously wasn’t good enough, and the Bucs moved on from their former No. 1 overall pick in short order to sign Tom Brady to a short-term deal. It’s tough to blame them, and that gamble has paid off big time for Tampa as they gear up to face the Saints on Sunday.

In New Orleans, Payton has stressed protecting the football to Winston. In a small sample size he’s delivered, but it’s impossible to know if this is truly the “new Winston” until he throws more than 11 passes in an NFL football game again.

The Saints have Winston and Taysom Hill to choose from, and if the former is brought back, they’ll likely head into training camp to decide this battle for good. The Saints know Brees replacement will be one of these two, especially if they’re aiming to re-sign Winston rather than let him walk and stick with Hill.