Saints GM vows to not enter a rebuilding mode if Drew Brees retires

The New Orleans Saints fell short of trips to the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl when they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs on Jan. 17. New Orleans now enters an era of uncertainty, as it's unknown if quarterback Drew Brees will retire or run it back for one more year.

Despite potentially beginning an offseason without a future Hall of Fame signal-caller on the depth chart, general manager Mickey Loomis isn't planning on entering a so-called rebuilding phase that would potentially involve tanking for draft picks. 

"Listen, we've got a great roster," Loomis told reporters during a Wednesday videoconference from the Senior Bowl. "And I can't foresee a circumstance where we're not going to say, 'Man, we're gonna do everything we can to win -- win now and compete for a championship.'" 

Former first-overall draft pick Jameis Winston, leading pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, top-tier safety Marcus Williams, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and tight end Jared Cook are all set to become free agents. Meanwhile, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that teams are already involved in discussions with the Detroit Lions over wantaway quarterback Matthew Stafford. 

"All that evaluation and what happens with that still remains to be seen," Loomis said about the team's potential need at the most important position in football. "We like [quarterback Taysom Hill]. We like Jameis. We liked what they did for us. But just like any position, we're going to have a lot of discussion over the next week or two." 

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Sam Darnold, Carson Wentz, Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott, Cam Newton, Mitchell Trubisky, Jimmy Garoppolo and Teddy Bridgewater are just some of the noteworthy quarterbacks who could be available for New Orleans if Brees rides off into the sunset as so many expect. Bridgewater served as Brees' backup in 2018 and 2019 before he joined the Carolina Panthers.