Broncos’ Discussions with Drew Brees Raise Tampering Concerns

Adam Schefter from ESPN reported a surprising development in the NFL world just before the “Monday Night Football” game between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. The report revealed the Broncos’ discussions with Drew Brees about returning for their AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots in January. This revelation could result in complications for the Broncos with the league.

According to Schefter, the discussions involved then-offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael. They spoke with Brees about potentially starting for Denver or backing up Jarrett Stidham following Bo Nix’s ankle injury in the Broncos’ victory over the Buffalo Bills during the Divisional Round.

However, the prospect of Brees’s return ended when discomfort in his wrist surfaced during a workout. This development shifted the idea towards a hypothetical scenario rather than reality.

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk criticized Schefter’s report, calling it a “big, fat nothing burger” for two reasons. First, the NFL mandates that retired players must return by Week 13, or they become ineligible for the rest of the season, including the postseason. More importantly, Brees remains on the Saints’ reserve-retired list.

If the New Orleans Saints had released Brees to participate in the AFC championship, he would have been subject to waivers. Moreover, if Broncos personnel discussed playing options with Brees without the Saints’ consent, it could lead to tampering allegations.

“That doesn’t mean the Broncos didn’t talk to Brees, as Schefter reports,” Florio stated. “If, however, then-offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael spoke to Brees without permission from the Saints, it would have been tampering.”

This situation raises a pertinent question: will the NFL investigate the Broncos for potential tampering based on Schefter’s report? Even if the Saints don’t file a complaint, the league has the authority to act.

Schefter noted that Sean Payton was unaware of the Broncos’ attempt to involve Brees in the AFC championship until the offseason. Nevertheless, Payton might have to manage the repercussions if his staff engaged in tampering last season.

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