Saints QB Drew Brees quietly approaches free agency

Healthy franchise quarterbacks don’t hit the open market. Next year, two of them could.

In addition to Washington’s Kirk Cousins (who threw for more than 4,900 yards last season), Saints quarterback Drew Brees could be available to the highest bidder and/or the best chance to pursue another Super Bowl.

Last year, as Brees was entering the final year of his contract, he signed a one-year extension. Which now puts him in the same place he was a year ago — one season removed from free agency. This time around, however, there is no discussion about an extension.

The story quoted Brees from January saying he wants things to "take form and take shape" for the next year while he puts forth his best effort for the Saints. The story also pointed out that Saints GM Mickey Loomis is also fine with Brees' approach.