Broncos Contacted Retired Brees for AFC Championship
The team reached out to the retired quarterback last season to address injuries on their roster.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Football
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Last season, the Denver Broncos contacted retired quarterback Drew Brees about a return to the NFL. The team pursued the veteran after starter Bo Nix was sidelined with a broken ankle.
Why it matters
The Denver Broncos sought a veteran replacement for the AFC Championship game to mitigate the loss of their starting quarterback. Despite a personal workout, Brees declined the offer due to existing wrist and shoulder injuries.
In the AFC Championship, Jarrett Stidham committed two turnovers in a 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots. Brees, who retired five years ago, ultimately passed on the opportunity after assessing his physical condition.
The players
Drew Brees
He is a former NFL quarterback who retired after a storied career primarily spent with the New Orleans Saints.
Jarrett Stidham
He is a professional football player who has served as the backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos since 2023.
Bo Nix
He is the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos who missed the AFC Championship due to a broken ankle.
Sean Payton
He is the head coach of the Denver Broncos who arrived at the organization in 2023.
The details
Following a broken ankle for starter Bo Nix, the Broncos initiated contact with Drew Brees to see if he could lead the team in the AFC Championship. Brees conducted a private workout to gauge his readiness but opted not to return to the field.
Timeline
Sean Payton joined the Denver Broncos as head coach in 2023.
The Denver Broncos reached out to Drew Brees last season.
Reports of the team interest in Brees emerged last week.
Season Trajectory
This outreach highlights the desperation of the Broncos' front office to salvage their playoff run after a key injury to Bo Nix. The potential investigation into the move adds an layer of institutional uncertainty to the team's postseason legacy.
Jarrett Stidham's two-turnover performance in the 10-7 loss confirms the team struggled significantly without a healthy primary starter. The failed attempt to sign Brees suggests the team had limited confidence in their depth chart during the postseason.
The takeaway
The attempt to recruit a retired legend underscores the severe limitations teams face when losing a starting quarterback mid-playoffs. Fans should monitor league updates, as potential tampering investigations can lead to significant future draft pick penalties.
Further reading
For more on the organization's recent performance, explore the Football section.
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Should the NFL discipline teams for contacting retired players to fill sudden roster vacancies?
