Sean Payton sounds pessimistic about retaining all three Saints QBs
The New Orleans Saints are facing a somewhat awkward situation with all three of their quarterbacks headed for free agency.
Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater are set to become unrestricted free agents, while running weapon Taysom Hill is facing restricted free agency. On Tuesday, coach Sean Payton admitted that, while he’d like to retain all three quarterbacks, it realistically may not be possible.
Sean Payton said he likes “perfect world” scenario of keeping all 3 QBs, but “we don’t live in one.” Said he and GM Mickey Loomis haven’t begun discussing roster yet, though, and it’s always best to give it a little time after season. Said Brees is still playing at high level.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) January 7, 2020
Bridgewater likely qualifies as the least likely to return. The Saints can’t and won’t let Drew Brees walk, and Hill is both a restricted free agent and someone who has played an important role in their offense. Bridgewater won five straight games while Brees was hurt, and earlier reports indicated that the backup could earn a lot of money to start for someone in 2020. Bridgewater is healthy and has shown he can start. It’s no wonder Payton would like to keep him, but it’s understandable why the coach almost certainly won’t be able to.
