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The first domino fell in the 2020 free agent quarterback class, with Drew Brees announcing his decision to return for his 20th season in the NFL — with the New Orleans Saints. While has not signed a contract extension just yet, it’s essentially nothing more than a formality before he’ll take the field again in black and gold.
But what sort of ripple effects will Brees returning to start for the Saints send throughout the NFL? While that’s hard to say, we can suggest what it means for the other two Saints quarterbacks headed for free agency: Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill.
Bridgewater is expected to receive offers to start for other teams once free agency is up and running, and the high salary boost that comes with those opportunities. While we can only speculate on the teams that may be interested in him (the Los Angeles Chargers should be in the hunt, while the Chicago Bears would be wise to see him as an upgrade), Bridgewater shouldn’t lack for options. So Brees returning makes it all but certain that Bridgewater will be joining a new squad in 2020. At least the Saints will have their own candidates to replace him either as a clipboard-holder or heir-apparent.
However, Hill is the real story here. Saints coach Sean Payton has been working overtime shifts to pump up Hill’s value and perception as a starting-quality franchise quarterback, but it’s anyone’s guess whether he’s sincere or hoping to lure another team into swapping a high draft pick for the restricted free agent. Payton’s words and actions have been in direct conflict surrounding Hill. As much as Payton insists his third-stringer could be the next Steve Young, more than half of Hill’s plays came on special teams last year. If the Saints decline to place a first-round tender on Hill, chances are another team will try to poach him, which Payton knows (and may be counting on). It’s very likely we’ll see some movement here.
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