Saints GM addresses Tom Brady rumors

Drew Brees and Tom Brady squared off three times last season, but a twist of fate could’ve completely changed who was suiting up under center for the Bucs and Saints in those matchups.

A recent rumor has been circulating about the Saints kicking the tires on Brady last offseason, before he was set to hit free agency. Brees still hadn’t indicated whether or not he was going to retire, so there was a lot of mystery surrounding the Saints’ starting quarterback situation. The team sure didn’t appear to want to start Jameis Winston — or Taysom Hill, for that matter, at least not at that time.

And now that training camp is set to open in a few weeks, the Saints wanted to address the rumor before it could become a distraction. General manager Mickey Loomis was asked about the hot topic of discussion, and he had this to say on Adam Schein’s podcast.

“All I can say is this,” Loomis said, as transcribed by Pro Football Talk. “As soon as Drew made the decision that he was gonna play again last year, then that’s the route we were going. That’s probably all I’m gonna say to that.”

It sure looks like the Saints were in touch with Brady’s camp about his availability, but Brees’ decision to return must’ve caused them to stop pursuing the quarterback that, ironically, ended their 2021 playoff run with an upset win in New Orleans.