If we've learned anything from this year's NFL Draft process, it's that statements made by team representatives mean absolutely jack. The Philadelphia Eagles gave quarterback Sam Bradford $22 million in guaranteed money in free agency, all the while swearing up and down that he was their guy. Next thing you know, the Eagles have moved up for the No. 2 pick, and Bradford is demanding a trade out of town.
Who's to say something similar won't play out with Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints in the near future?
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis wouldn't have you think that for a second. He's playing the part of a diplomatic GM, saying earlier this offseason, "We want Drew to be our quarterback this year, next year and the foreseeable future. I know he feels like he's got more years left in him. I would say we feel that way as well."
But do the Saints really feel that way? Loomis is saying all of the right things publicly, but behind closed doors the team is yearning for a QB. New Orleans held internal discussions about trading up for the No. 1 pick this year, presumably to grab Cal's Jared Goff or North Dakota State's Carson Wentz. While a jump like that up the draft board was deemed too costly, the Saints have been rumored to be willing to trade into the top 10 to grab Memphis passer Paxton Lynch.
None of this means that Brees is about to be replaced as New Orleans' starting quarterback for the 2016 season. But the 37-year-old veteran is entering the final season of a five-year, $100 million contract that carries a mammoth salary cap hit of $30 million this year.
Head coach Sean Payton signed a five-year extension earlier this offseason, but he has been shifting the team into a rebuilding phase over the past few seasons. Payton has jettisoned All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham, Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans, wide receiver Kenny Stills and others in recent years which helps to explains New Orleans' 7-9 finishes in three of its last four seasons. Is there truly room for a top-dollar aging quarterback during this youth movement?
"We've got some work to do," Loomis said. The question is, how much of that work will be devoted to finding a new starting quarterback?
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
