Drew Brees Mulled NFL Comeback for Broncos’ AFC Championship Run

Drew Brees discussed a potential return to the NFL with Denver Broncos assistants after rookie Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle on January 17.

Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and assistant Pete Carmichael held discussions with Drew Brees about the retired quarterback joining the team for last season’s AFC Championship Game, according to sources told by ESPN. The talks occurred after starting quarterback Bo Nix sustained a fractured ankle during an overtime playoff win against the Buffalo Bills on January 17. Brees, who had turned 47 just two days prior to the injury, initially expressed interest in a return but ultimately declined after experiencing wrist discomfort during a workout.

Head coach Sean Payton was not informed of the secret negotiations at the time and only learned of the plot during the offseason. Payton stated on Monday night that he was the "odd man out" and was never approached by his assistants regarding the move. Had Brees signed, the team intended to evaluate him against Jarrett Stidham for the starting role. Without Brees, the Broncos lost the AFC Championship Game 10-7 to the New England Patriots in a snowy contest where Stidham completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Brees previously hinted at these conversations during a February 11 interview on the "New Heights" podcast, noting he was not physically ready to play that week. This marked the second time Brees considered a comeback under Payton; a similar discussion occurred in December 2021 when the New Orleans Saints lost Jameis Winston to a torn ACL and faced a COVID-19 outbreak in the quarterback room. Brees, a recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, officially retired in March 2021.