The New York Jets are in dire need of a franchise quarterback and conveniently, one will be available in the 2018 offseason. There’s great reason as to why Drew Brees should make the trip to East Rutherford, New Jersey and stay.
Drew Brees a member of the New York Jets? I’ll admit right off the bat that it’s a bit far-fetched to believe that the New Orleans Saints will allow all-time great to reach the open market but hey, crazier things have happened.
Brees is set to hit the free agent market for the first time since 2006 and this time he has a lot more leverage. After a five-year run with the then-San Diego Chargers, Brees was coming off of major shoulder surgery.
It was so major that there was a belief that it could end his NFL career. Despite that, it came down to the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints.
He chose the Saints and the rest is history.
Brees is a future Pro Football Hall of Famer. His accolades jump off the page:
- There are nine seasons in NFL history of 5,000 plus passing yard seasons. Brees owns five of them.
- Brees owns four of the top five best completion percentage seasons of all-time.
- Brees has thrown for at least 4,000 yards for 12 straight seasons.
- He is on pace to break the all-time career passing yards record next season.
- He has nine seasons of at least 30 passing touchdowns.
I think you understand the gist.
The only thing that is keeping Brees going is world championships. He hasn’t snagged one since 2009 but could nab his second in a month.
If he doesn’t, he could be on the move.
Brees is 38-years-old and turns 39 later this month. But as Tom Brady has illustrated, it is quite possible to play at an elite level through your forties.
So why would he come to the Jets?
- Familiarity: The Jets offensive coordinator, John Morton, enjoyed two stints with the Saints (2006, 2015-16). There’s already a relationship between the two.
- Weapons: While they aren’t the big names he currently has on Bourbon Street, they’re viable. Undrafted free agent Robby Anderson looks like one of the best young receivers in the NFL. Jermaine Kearse and Quincy Enunwa are solid, if unspectacular. Austin Seferian-Jenkins (6-foot-6, 250-plus pounds) would be the best tight end he’s been equipped with since Jimmy Graham.
- Easier division/path to playoffs: This can’t be understated. In 2017, three of the six teams in the NFC playoffs came from the NFC South (Saints, Falcons and Panthers). It’s no secret the AFC East has been awful. The Buffalo Bills postseason trip was fluky, as was the Dolphins the year prior. Outside of the Patriots and Steelers, the AFC isn’t intimidating. And really, how much longer will they last? Brady will be 41 by the time the 2018 season starts while Ben Roethlisberger has openly pondered retirement.
No one saw this season coming for the Saints. After their wild-card round victory over the Carolina Panthers, they’re now a hot dark horse to win the whole darn tournament.
The Saints would be crazy to let him walk, but if they do, the New York Jets should be that rebound girl waiting for that relationship status getting changed on social media.
