Saints GM Mickey Loomis Says Drew Brees Can Play for Team as Long as He Wants

Though the New Orleans Saints were eliminated from the playoffs in the Wild Card round, Drew Brees still hasn't disclosed whether or not he is returning for his 20th NFL season.

Granted, Brees opting to hang 'em up would serve as a bombshell across the league's landscape. Barring a seismic change of heart, No.9 will be out on the gridiron next season.

But for which team? With the 41-year-old set to become an unrestricted free agent, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis made it crystal clear that NOLA would welcome their signal caller back with open arms.

Drew Brees wants to "take a deep breath and decompress" before deciding whether to come back for a 20th season. But GM Mickey Loomis said the Saints "obviously" want him back. https://t.co/IAw7X2QFdn
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) January 23, 2020

"We'd love to have Drew back, and if he wants to be back then we'll go from there. I'm assuming that he does," Loomis told ESPN's Mike Triplett. "I don't think it's any different than it's been the last few years."

GM Mickey Loomis said the Saints want Drew Brees back as QB as long as he wants to keep playing -- “no different than it’s been the last few years,” even though he’s technically a free agent. “It’s easy to take him for granted yet I don’t take him for granted,” Loomis said.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) January 22, 2020

That's about as transparent as an executive can be, and football fans in the Big Easy are probably thrilled with Loomis' intentions with Brees, regardless if it's the right move for the organization's future.

Loomis' undying infatuation for Brees will likely see Teddy Bridgewater, a 27-year-old with a 22-12 record to his name, pursue a starting job under center in free agency.