New Orleans Saints: 5 Quarterbacks to replace Drew Brees in 2021

Drew Brees has officially retired and the New Orleans Saints need a starting quarterback for 2021. Who could replace the future Hall-of-Famer under center?

On Sunday, Drew Brees made official what New Orleans Saints and NFL fans had been expected since the team was bounced from the playoffs, announcing his retirement. But that immediately begs the on-field question of who will replace him at quarterback for the Saints.

New Orleans has been active early in the offseason in restructuring or cutting contracts to get under the salary cap before 2021 NFL free agency begins. There should be no question that part of that is so that they have ample room to add a quarterback to the mix for the 2021 season and perhaps beyond.

So as we look at free agency, the trade market and even the 2021 NFL Draft, let’s dive into five possible options for the Saints to turn to at quarterback.

New Orleans Saints 2021 quarterback options to replace Drew Brees

5. Taysom Hill – In the wake of Brees retiring, the Saints elected to extend Taysom Hill to a monster four-year contract, at least in theory. The extension made all years voidable, which will save New Orleans a ton of money against the cap.

As for Hill as a starting option, it just doesn’t seem viable. It was clear that the offense had to adjust to his limitations when he started in 2020 and that’s not sustainable. He’ll continue to be a gadget player in the mix for the Saints and, since he’s on the roster and made starts, he has to be considered an option. But to me, he’s not an answer in any real manner.

4. Ryan Fitzpatrick – If the Saints are interested in a stopgap option, it’s hard to imagine anyone better than Ryan Fitzpatrick. Over the past couple of years with the Dolphins, he’s proven to be a solid veteran who can put your team in contention to win games, even if he’s still imperfect.

We know that Fitzpatrick is long in the tooth and has his issues with turnovers at times. But on the whole, his experience and late-career renaissance could be helpful for New Orleans as they enter a transition period.

3. Russell Wilson – This is undoubtedly a somewhat outlandish option but, given that Russell Wilson trade rumors persist and that the Saints were among the reported preferred destinations for the quarterback, it has to be mentioned.

Transitioning from Brees to Wilson would be an all-time move for New Orleans as they wouldn’t miss a beat. And Sean Payton working with Wilson would create some magic. Having said that, they would have to give up a king’s ransom of draft capital to lure him from Seattle.

2. Mac Jones – Admittedly, I’m a big proponent for the pro outlook for Mac Jones. The Alabama quarterback’s mental acuity and accuracy to all levels of the field and should have an avenue to succeed. And his tools would seemingly work well in a similar offense to what Brees ran.

Having said that, his limited experience with the Crimson Tide would likely mean bringing in a veteran stopgap to some degree. Moreover, the Saints would almost surely have to trade up inside the top 15 to draft Jones. But even still, he should be considered a real option and New Orleans has historically had no problem being aggressive with draft trades.

1. Jameis Winston – Whenever the Saints signed Jameis Winston last offseason, many thought it was an indication that he could be groomed to replace Brees. But with Hill starting instead of Winston with Brees injured, that was brought into question. It may have still been the case, though.

ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported on Monday that the Saints are working on a new deal with Winston to come in and be part of a competition. With a year working in practice with Payton and the Saints, though, that could work in his favor and give the former No. 1 overall pick second life in the NFL.