Overview
- ESPN reported Monday that Broncos offensive coaches Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael contacted Hall of Famer Drew Brees after Bo Nix fractured his ankle late in the divisional round.
- Brees agreed to a private workout to test his body but stopped pursuit after feeling discomfort in his wrist and decided not to come out of retirement.
- Head coach Sean Payton learned of the outreach only in the offseason, with sources saying Lombardi and Carmichael initially handled discussions without informing him.
- ProFootballTalk and other outlets noted the move would have faced major procedural hurdles because Brees remained on the Saints’ reserve-retired list and talks could have raised tampering concerns, though there is no public sign the league has opened an investigation.
- The episode echoes the 2025 veteran comeback trend and gained added intrigue because Brees was inducted into the Hall of Fame that summer, turning the unpursued move into a notable what-if for players, coaches, and fans.