Drew Brees Gives Timeline on His Decision to Return or Retire

For the first time in his illustrious NFL career, Drew Brees is considering the 'R' word.

Retirement. Done from the game. No more Brees in a Saints uniform—or the NFL for that matter. It's a discussion that we've heard all the talking heads debate for years now but for the first time, we're hearing Brees vocalize his strong consideration to call it a career.

It should also be noted that Brees also said he would only ever be a Saint, meaning that it's either black and gold or nothing—but ultimately, it will be his decision to make as the Saints have already expressed their desire to have him back as their QB1.

The 41-year-old QB spent the last week with family during participating in all the activities surrounding the Pro Bowl, and when asked about returning for a 20th season he had this to say.

I'm really waiting until football is totally done. Obviously being here, I'm just very much focused on my family and this opportunity to be be around the guys, playing the game. Then, I'll kind of lay low for a little bit, get away and then assess. I kind of have a process in mind. And I'll give it a month or so.

Like I said earlier, this is new territory for Brees who has been adamant about returning to the Saints as previous seasons have ended. Even he acknowledged that.

I have never been in the situation where I was mulling over the thought of (returning). To me, each one of these contracts, I don't know how many it's been with the Saints, I've played with them 14 years, each one, it's not a matter of if it gets done, it's when. At this stage of my career, it's not a given that I'm coming back every year, but when that time comes, I'll always be a Saint.

So will Brees stay, or will Brees go? As a Saints fan, I think the silver lining here is that no matter what he chooses, we will never see Brees in another uniform, nor will his legacy ever be tarnished in New Orleans by facing him on another team.

Saints GM Mickey Loomis told The Times-Picayune that the team would "obviously" bring Brees back if he wanted to continue playing, but if Brees does decide to retire, the Saints do have a solid option in Teddy Bridgewater who went undefeated while Brees was out due to a thumb injury early in the 2019 season.

So, while we would be in good hands with Teddy, I think I speak for a lot of Saints fans when I say that I think Brees should give it one more try.

Share your thoughts in the comments and watch this space for an update on Brees' decision the minute we hear anything.