What does Drew Brees’ return mean for the New Orleans Saints?

Forty-four days.

That’s how long it took New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees to catch his breath after a third straight shocking end to the postseason, assess his life at the age of 41 and finally come to the conclusion while vacationing in Hawaii “to make another run at it.’‘

A 20th NFL season, that is, and a chance to win a second Super Bowl.

And continue his annual assault on the league record books.

And add to his burgeoning Hall of Fame resume’.

All in the pursuit of happiness.

Did I mention the $28-to-$30 million in guaranteed money that will come his way by mid-March for playing the game he loves?

C’mon, give me a bloody break! Did anyone in his/her right mind believe for one nanosecond that No. 9 was seriously considering retirement and preparing to walk off into a Black and Gold sunset after rebounding from in-season thumb surgery with a vengeance and making the Pro Bowl?

After that flawed performance on Wildcard Weekend against the Minnesota Vikings?

After being outplayed at home by Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and outshone by Saints third-string quarterback Taysom Hill.

Truth be told, I believe Brees was no more going to retire than coach Sean Payton, or general manager Mickey Loomis, or multi-billionaire owner Gayle Marie Benson.

But for 44 days the mere idea of Brees’ calling it quits made for good theater, energized countless news cycles and fueled rampant speculation around the NFL world.

Brees still has postseason mountains to climb and 80,000 passing yards to reach. And while he may be one of the game’s most successful QBs in terms of the regular season (I submit the 2019 season as Exhibit A), his playoff record still reads a modest 8-7.

For three straight years, the Saints have failed to convert excellent opportunities to win the Super Bowl (see “Minneapolis Miracle,’‘ “No Call’‘ and “Skol 2.’‘) Furthermore, each improbable walk-off loss to Vikings QB Case Keenum, Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff and Cousins has taken a toll on Brees’ legacy.

There’s a reason why Brees isn’t considered the NFL’s G.O.A.T., despite his unparalleled completion percentage, numerous individual records and league honors and flair for the dramatic on a national stage. He’s a one-hit wonder when it comes to winning world championships and, unfortunately, that’s how the great ones are judged.

A second Lombardi Trophy would greatly enhance his G.O.A.T. argument.

And while I’m glad Brees wants to keep playing, I don’t feel as strongly about the Saints’ Super Bowl chances next season with him at quarterback as I did this past season, largely because Loomis and Payton will be hard pressed to find the necessary cap dollars to keep their Super Bowl-caliber roster intact around him.

And, too, because they have been trending downward in the postseason, firing blanks when it counts the most.

Lest we forget, backup Teddy Bridgewater went 5-0 as the QB of record in Brees’ absence and helped register the team’s most important win of the season at Seattle in Week 3. With Brees back in the saddle, I suspect Bridgewater is a gone pecan in free agency. That means, Hill (assuming the Saints retain his services as a restricted free agent) or someone else currently not on the roster will be asked to fill that backup role.

There are other potential roster problems looming.

So, was Drew Brees seriously considering retirement between Jan. 6 and Feb. 18?

No doubt, the idea of life without football crossed his mind over 44 days of R&R and self reflection. But, in the end, it proved to be nothing more than a passing thought, a plan put on hold for yet another year.