Broncos' Sean Payton reacts to Drew Brees comeback report

Members of the NFL community were stunned to learn on Monday night that Hall of Fame quarterback and New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees allegedly considered coming out of retirement to play for the Denver Broncos in this year's AFC Championship Game after Broncos starter Bo Nix suffered a broken bone in his right ankle during the divisional round of the playoffs.

Specifically, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that "then-offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael had discussions with Brees about the former star quarterback coming out of retirement" to possibly play for Denver.

Following the Broncos' 31-10 loss at the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, Denver head coach Sean Payton was asked about the Brees story. Payton was Brees' head coach for 15 seasons when the two were with the Saints. 

Sean Payton "never heard anything about" possible Drew Brees comeback

"I just know that I was the odd man out," Payton explained, per Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. "I never heard anything about it. It never came to anything. I was only told about it later, so I was just like you guys." 

Back in June, Brees suggested that he couldn't "throw with my right arm anymore" due to the state of his shoulder. Thus, one would think he wouldn't have been able to face the New England Patriots on short notice months before he made those comments. 

Additionally, it was confirmed on Monday night that Brees "remains on the Saints' reserve-retired list," meaning his return would've had to become official by the Tuesday after Week 13 of the season. New Orleans also would have had to release Brees, after which he would've been subject to waivers. 

That same report noted that the Broncos could be found guilty of tampering regarding Brees if the NFL looks into the matter. In 2024, the Atlanta Falcons were docked a draft pick after they violated league tampering rules with quarterback Kirk Cousins and two other players. 

Would Sean Payton update keep Broncos from avoiding a tampering charge?

"Even without Payton directly contacting Brees, a potential tampering issue arises if Lombardi and Carmichael did indeed contact Brees without permission from the Saints," Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk shared on Tuesday. "The broader point for any retired player is this: Find a way to get released, so that you can return at any time. That’s why Philip Rivers was able to rejoin the Colts late last year. Placement on the reserve-retired list complicates a potential return to play for another team — especially since he’d have to pass through waivers before signing, if his current team is willing to release him from the reserve-retired list."

It remains to be seen if the Broncos will land in any hot water following Monday's report.