Drew Brees recalled a pivotal moment during the 2017 NFL Draft when the New Orleans Saints considered drafting Patrick Mahomes, who ended up being chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Saints instead selected Marshon Lattimore, who became a standout player for the team. Brees reflected on this situation as the Atlanta Falcons made a surprising move in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Michael Penix Jr. as a quarterback, despite already signing Kirk Cousins to be their franchise quarterback. Brees empathized with Cousins’ situation, knowing how it feels to be in a similar position where a team is planning for the future despite having a successful veteran quarterback on the roster.
Brees emphasized the importance of preparing for the future in the NFL, even if it means considering a successor for a veteran quarterback. He acknowledged that he would have accepted the decision to draft Patrick Mahomes in 2017, understanding the organization’s need to plan ahead. Cousins, who was surprised by the Falcons’ decision to select Penix, handled the situation with grace, expressing a desire to work together towards winning a Super Bowl. Brees commended Cousins for taking the high road and focusing on what he can control, much like he did during his own transition towards retirement.
As Brees reflected on his final seasons with the Saints, he highlighted the importance of consistency and strategic planning for long-term success. He led the Saints to multiple NFC South victories and top performances in the league before retiring in 2020. Brees believes that Cousins will bring a similar mindset to the Falcons, as they work towards building a strong team with talented players like Drake London and Bijan Robinson. Despite the challenges of age and injuries faced by Cousins, Brees is confident that he will contribute to the Falcons’ potential success in the coming seasons.
The NFL Draft decisions made by the Saints in 2017 and the Falcons in 2024 illustrate the complexities of roster planning in a competitive league. Brees’ experience provides valuable insights into the challenges that veteran quarterbacks face when teams consider drafting their potential successors. While the draft selections may raise questions and create uncertainties, the ultimate goal for both the Saints and Falcons is to build winning teams capable of competing for championships. By focusing on the future while appreciating the contributions of veteran players like Brees and Cousins, these teams aim to achieve sustained success on the field.
