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Don’t count Demario Davis among the crowd calling for Drew Brees to retire. The New Orleans Saints linebacker gave his quarterback a vote of confidence on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” program on Thursday, expressing hope Brees will return for another title run in the 2021 season.
“I hope so. Man I sure hope so,” Davis replied when asked if Brees is coming back. “I would feel much better if I could guarantee that he was.”
It’s easy to understand his stance. Davis joined Brees as an elected team captain right away after signing with the Saints in 2018, and they’ve gone 42-13 since then (including the playoffs). His previous quarterbacks have included Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Cody Kessler, and Josh McCown, and his past teams went a combined 34-62. He knows the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
So you have to think he’s hoping for stability. We’ll find out soon what’s coming next for New Orleans; Saints coach Sean Payton expects Brees to announce his decision after Super Bowl LV, and general manager Mickey Loomis is comfortable waiting on Brees to share that news himself. Other leaders on the team like Malcolm Jenkins understand it’s not an easy call for Brees to make, given how many injuries have stacked up for the passer in recent years.
Whatever decision Brees makes, whether to return or retire, it’ll impact everyone around him, including his Saints teammates. You have to think that’s weighing on him, too, along with all the other factors at play. If he does decide his playing days are behind him, the Saints can trust they’ll still have Davis commanding their defense.
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