Drew Brees appears to be on the verge of riding off into the sunset. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Saints QB Drew Brees expected to retire at end of season?

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/16/21

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is preparing for what could be his final NFL game on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Brees is expected to retire at the end of the season. The 42-year-old has not publicly discussed his future, although sources close to Brees believe this season will be his last.

Rapoport adds that the Saints are interested in bringing back Jameis Winston in 2021. The former Buccaneers signal-caller or Taysom Hill could take over when the Brees era is over in New Orleans.

From @NFLGameDay: While the #Saints are likely saying goodbye to star QB Drew Brees after the season, they do want to bring Jameis Winston back. They like what they've seen in practice, at least. pic.twitter.com/Pf08qRCN9P
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 16, 2021

This news doesn't necessarily come as a surprise, however. Brees has contemplated retirement in the past and has already agreed to a broadcasting job with NBC Sports for post-NFL life.

The 13-time Pro Bowler, who will eventually be in the Hall of Fame, has gone 172-114 with the Saints and San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers, completing 67.7% of his passes for 80,358 yards and 571 touchdowns against 243 interceptions. He won the Super Bowl with the Saints in 2010 and hopes to end his career on a high note with another championship win this season.

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