With Drew Brees retirement, Saints QB competition looks like Taysom Hill vs. Jameis Winston

The New Orleans Saints open a new era on Monday following Drew Brees’ official announcement that he is retiring from the NFL. The news was expected, but it is now official and the Saints can formally begin the process of moving forward at the most important position.

The team took care of some administrative business on Sunday when they inked Taysom Hill to a new contract. Technically it is a four-year, $140 million extension, but in reality it is just a one-year contract with three voidable years that clears cap space. The Saints enter Monday $32.4 million over the cap and have two days to get under it. This is just one of many moves that will help them get there.

The Saints are also expected to bring back Jameis Winston. He is a free agent following a one-year deal this past season. ESPN’s Dianna Russini is reporting the two sides are working on a deal, and would mean there would be a QB competition at camp.

This also might not preclude a draft pick investment at the position, but the Saints aren’t making it super easy to figure out the direction they’re looking. Sean Payton has a minor obsession with Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston remains a capable talent. And yet, neither will be signed to significant long-term money when the season starts. The Saints likely won’t make a notable move in free agency, but keep an eye on them in the 2021 NFL Draft.