The writing on the wall has suggested the end of the road is in sight for Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, but seeing it spelled out like this sure hits differently. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said as much on Sunday NFL Countdown, relaying belief from New Orleans and around the league that the Hall of Fame-bound quarterback is expected to retire after the 2020 season concludes.

Schefter explained that Brees has effectively been playing with one foot in the Saints locker room and the other in the NBC Sports broadcast booth after signing a contract with the network last offseason.

He added, via 247sports.com: “This time, he’s another year older. This time, he’s played through the 11 fractured ribs and a punctured lung. A difficult, physical season and I think most people still believe that this will be the final season for Drew Brees in New Orleans and in the NFL before he turns to the broadcasting.”

It’s going to be difficult for the Saints to march on without Brees, but not impossible. Their resilience in his recent absences — going 8-1 with backups Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill starting in his place the last two years — has been inspiring, and suggests this is a roster built to last. But as with everything else, we’ll have to wait and see to know for certain.

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