New Orleans Saints fans probably don't want to think about it, but the team has to start thinking about life after Drew Brees.
"They believe they can see the finish line here," NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on NFL Gameday Morning. "My expectation from talking to several sources involved in the situation is that the Saints will draft a quarterback highly this year.
"In fact, they wish they had done this in previous years, mainly because, as you mentioned, Drew Brees is 35 years old, he's not as big as Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, and they've seen some arm strength issues that have cropped up in the last several games, throwing crucial interceptions -- the kind which we never see from Drew Brees. They're starting to wonder what is next at this position."
(We wonder if Sean Payton "wished" he took Jimmy Garoppolo, who went to Payton's alma matter, Eastern Illinois.)
If you just consider the nuts and bolts of this report, it makes a lot of sense. The Broncos drafted Brock Osweiler in the second round as an insurance policy to Peyton Manning. The Patriots have drafted Ryan Mallett and Garoppolo in recent years just in case.
In practice, this plan could be tricky. Drafting a backup for a legendary franchise player is always problematic, and Brees is beloved in New Orleans. While the Saints have struggled to dial up big plays this season, Brees has still moved the ball well. He's just paid big for his mistakes.
Also worth noting, as NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah points out: This might not be the easiest draft in which to find a quarterback.
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