Editing Drew Brees (section)

==Professional career==
{{nfl predraft
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| note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Draft Scout 2001 QB Player Ratings |url=http://www.draftscout.com/players.php?GenPos=QB&DraftYear=2001&sortorder=TSXPos&order=ASC |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024011648/http://draftscout.com/players.php?GenPos=QB&DraftYear=2001&sortorder=TSXPos&order=ASC |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2020 |website=DraftScout}}</ref>
}}

===San Diego Chargers (2001–2005)===

====2001 NFL draft====
Brees's college success led to projections that he would be a mid–late first-round draft pick in the [[2001 NFL draft]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiper Jr. |first=Mel |author-link=Mel Kiper Jr. |date=March 29, 2001 |title=Kiper's first-round draft projection |url=https://www.espn.com/melkiper/s/2001/0305/1130313.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023734/http://www.espn.com/melkiper/s/2001/0305/1130313.html |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> but he slipped due to concerns about his relatively short stature for a professional quarterback (6'0), a perceived lack of arm strength, and a sense that he had succeeded in college in a spread offense. Brees was the second quarterback selected in the 2001 NFL Draft behind [[Michael Vick]] of [[Virginia Tech Hokies football|Virginia Tech]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/draft.htm |access-date=May 26, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002220506/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/draft.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He was chosen by the [[San Diego Chargers]] with the first pick of the second round with the 32nd overall pick.<ref name="AP2001">{{Cite magazine |date=April 21, 2001 |title=Trade works well as Chargers get Tomlinson, then Brees |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/2001/draft/news/2001/04/21/chargers_draft_ap |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010428081128/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/2001/draft/news/2001/04/21/chargers_draft_ap/ |archive-date=April 28, 2001 |access-date=January 19, 2010 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> San Diego originally had the first pick in that draft, but traded it to [[Atlanta Falcons|Atlanta]] (who drafted Vick) in return for the fifth pick of the first round with which San Diego drafted [[LaDainian Tomlinson]].<ref name="AP2001" />

====Early career====
{{See also|2001 San Diego Chargers season|2002 San Diego Chargers season|2003 San Diego Chargers season}}
In his rookie season, Brees was the backup quarterback to [[Doug Flutie]], who started all 16 games that season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2001.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715162636/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2001.htm |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees played in his first professional game on November 4, 2001, against the [[2001 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] in Week 8. He came into the game to relieve Flutie, who had suffered a concussion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roesch |first=Wesley |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Throwback Thursday: Chiefs defeated Drew Brees in his 1st career game |url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2016/10/20/throwback-thursday-chiefs-defeated-drew-brees-in-his-1st-career-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818194016/https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2016/10/20/throwback-thursday-chiefs-defeated-drew-brees-in-his-1st-career-game/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=Chiefs Wire |publisher=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> He finished with 221 passing yards and his first career passing touchdown, a 20-yard pass to [[Freddie Jones (American football)|Freddie Jones]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – November 4th, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111040sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051638/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111040sdg.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The game against the Chiefs was Brees's lone appearance as a rookie.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2001 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2001 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

On August 19, 2002, Brees was named the starter for the [[2002 NFL season|2002 season]] over Doug Flutie.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2002 |title=Brees named Chargers' starting QB |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/08/19/Brees-named-Chargers-starting-QB/9221029729600/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014338/https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/08/19/Brees-named-Chargers-starting-QB/9221029729600/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=[[United Press International]]}}</ref>  He started all 16 games for the Chargers. The season started off well for the Chargers with a 6–1 start, but faded down the stretch with a 2–7 record over the last nine games to finish 8–8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2002.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715183936/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2002.htm |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He finished the 2002 season with 3,284 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155349/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2002 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

In Week 4 of the 2003 season, Brees recorded a 21-yard touchdown reception on a pass thrown by LaDainian Tomlinson in the 34–31 overtime loss to the [[2003 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2003 |title=OT Victory has Raiders on Upswing |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2003-09-29-0309290341-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829165906/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2003-09-29-0309290341-story.html |archive-date=August 29, 2019 |access-date=August 29, 2019 |website=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref> After a disappointing 1–7 start to the [[2003 NFL season|2003 season]], Brees was replaced by Flutie, though he regained the job by Week 15.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=November 20, 2015 |title=Drew Brees recalls game that saved his job, catapulted career |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/19507 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820152108/https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/19507 |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2003.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715173924/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2003.htm |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In 11 games, he finished with 2,108 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2003 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155410/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2003 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====2004 season====
{{See also|2004 San Diego Chargers season}}
Brees's career with the Chargers was in jeopardy after San Diego [[2004 NFL Draft#Notes|acquired]] [[North Carolina State Wolfpack football|NC State's]] [[Philip Rivers]] after the [[2004 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101231250/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/draft.htm |archive-date=November 1, 2018 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> With a looming quarterback controversy, he performed well through training camp and the preseason, while Rivers held out during training camp, essentially guaranteeing Brees the job to begin the season with Rivers as his backup.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engel |first=Mac |date=January 3, 2019 |title=Looking Back: When the Chargers had two MVP caliber quarterbacks on their roster |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/article223379285.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818194923/https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/article223379285.html |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=Fort Worth Star-Telegram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sigler |first=John |date=December 26, 2019 |title=Drew Brees called Chargers' decision to pick new QB 'worst mistake ever' |url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/26/brian-schottenheimer-drew-brees-chargers-draft-philip-rivers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314231042/https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/26/brian-schottenheimer-drew-brees-chargers-draft-philip-rivers/ |archive-date=March 14, 2021 |access-date=March 15, 2021 |website=Saints Wire|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>

Brees remained the starter throughout the [[2004 NFL season|2004 season]], where he started 15 games and led the team to a 12–4 regular season record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2004.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212233652/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2004.htm |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 8, against the [[2004 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]], he was 22 of 25 for 281 yards and five touchdowns in the 42–14 victory to earn his first AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – October 31st, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410310sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081715/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410310sdg.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/week_8.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322142733/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/week_8.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees posted spectacular numbers, completing 65.5% of his passes for 3,159 yards, with 27 touchdowns to only seven interceptions, giving him a 104.8 [[passer rating]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2004 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2004 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155406/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2004 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The Chargers won the [[AFC West]] for the first time in ten seasons and Brees was selected to the [[2004 Pro Bowl]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/index.htm |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Acee |first=Kevin |date=January 7, 2005 |title=Once maligned, now divine |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers/20050107-9999-1s7chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306111437/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers/20050107-9999-1s7chargers.html |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |website=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132137/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/probowl.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He was named 2004 [[NFL Comeback Player of the Year]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2005 |title=What a comeback: Brees runs away with award |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1960406 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414044802/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1960406 |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In the [[2004–05 NFL playoffs#AFC: New York Jets 20, San Diego Chargers 17 (OT)|Wild Card Round]] against the [[2004 New York Jets season|New York Jets]], Brees had 319 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and one interception in the 20–17 overtime loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - New York Jets at San Diego Chargers - January 8th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501080sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223192517/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501080sdg.htm |archive-date=December 23, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====2005 season====
{{See also|2005 San Diego Chargers season}}
Brees became a free agent after the 2004 season and was not expected to return to San Diego, which had already committed a large sum of money to Rivers. The team eventually designated Brees a [[franchise tag|franchise player]], giving him a one-year contract that quadrupled his pay to $8 million for 2005. Under the terms of the franchise player contract, Brees was eligible to be traded or to sign with another team, but the Chargers would receive two future first-round draft choices in return. He was not traded and continued as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2005 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2005 |title=Signing's a Brees: Chargers QB back for 1 year |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2005239 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501163340/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2005239 |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

After a 1–2 start, Brees helped lead a 41–17 victory over the [[2005 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]. He was 19 of 24 for 248 passing yards and two touchdowns and earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the effort.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – October 2nd, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126071001/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020nwe.htm |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/week_4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081852/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/week_4.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He posted a career-high in passing yards with 3,576. Brees also posted an 89.2 rating, 10th best in the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2005 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155400/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2005 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/passing.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155345/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/passing.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> However, in the last game of the 2005 season against the [[2005 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]], Brees tore his [[Glenoidal labrum|labrum]] while trying to pick up his own fumble after being hit by Broncos [[Safety (American football position)|safety]] [[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2006 |title=Brees suffers torn labrum, faces four-month rehab |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2278077 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109080639/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2278077 |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Denver tackle [[Gerard Warren]] hit Brees while he was on the ground, causing the injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vaccaro |first=Mike |date=February 2, 2010 |title=Brees, like New Orleans, had to start over |url=https://nypost.com/2010/02/02/brees-like-new-orleans-had-to-start-over/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818195330/https://nypost.com/2010/02/02/brees-like-new-orleans-had-to-start-over/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=New York Post}}</ref> Brees underwent [[arthroscopic surgery]], performed by [[James Andrews (physician)|Dr. James Andrews]], to repair the torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder on January 5, 2006.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Axson |first=Scooby |date=June 13, 2014 |title=Dr. James Andrews on Drew Brees: 'Most remarkable comeback that I've ever treated' |url=https://www.si.com/si-wire/2014/06/13/james-andrews-drew-brees-remarkable-comeback |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812150758/https://www.si.com/si-wire/2014/06/13/james-andrews-drew-brees-remarkable-comeback |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> Subsequent reports mentioned additional partial [[rotator cuff]] damage and he also was treated by Dr. Saby Szajowitz to recover and regain muscle movement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 25, 2011 |title=Drew Brees' profile – The American version |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.dk/drew-brees-the-american-version/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213123638/https://www.neworleanssaints.dk/drew-brees-the-american-version/ |archive-date=February 13, 2019 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=NewOrleansSaints.dk |language=da-DK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Wally |date=May 14, 2014 |title=Saints quarterback has story worth hearing |url=https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2014/may/14/saints-quarterback-has-story-worth-hear/ |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette |language=en}}</ref>

After the season, the Chargers offered Brees a five-year, $50 million contract that paid $2 million in base salary the first year and the rest heavily based on performance incentives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2016 |title=Drew Brees Contract History |url=https://whodatwarriors.com/2016/02/15/drew-brees-contract-history/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302054237/https://whodatwarriors.com/2016/02/15/drew-brees-contract-history/ |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=Who Dat Warriors}}</ref>

===New Orleans Saints (2006–2020)===
After the Chargers refused to increase their offer, Brees met with other teams. The [[New Orleans Saints]] and the [[Miami Dolphins]] were interested in Brees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gennaro |first=John |date=February 8, 2010 |title=Why Did the Chargers Let Drew Brees Go? |url=https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2010/2/8/1301176/why-did-the-chargers-let-drew |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310200806/https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2010/2/8/1301176/why-did-the-chargers-let-drew |archive-date=March 10, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=Bolts From The Blue|publisher=SB Nation}}</ref> New Orleans made an offer that included $10 million in guaranteed money the first year and a $12 million option the second year. Miami was unsure whether Brees' shoulder was completely healed and doctors suggested the team should not sign him because of the injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Steven |date=October 9, 2018 |title=The Dolphins actually passed on Drew Brees twice |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/10/nfl-saints-drew-brees-dolphins-2001-draft-josh-heupel-daunte-culpepper |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818195547/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/10/nfl-saints-drew-brees-dolphins-2001-draft-josh-heupel-daunte-culpepper |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=For The Win|publisher=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirwin |first=Pat |date=February 9, 2011 |title=Teams must be kicking themselves for not drafting Rodgers |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/teams-must-be-kicking-themselves-for-not-drafting-rodgers-09000d5d81e3bc82 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213015808/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e3bc82/article/teams-must-be-kicking-themselves-for-not-drafting-rodgers-?module=HP_cp2 |archive-date=February 13, 2011 |access-date=February 10, 2011 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> The Dolphins ended negotiations and traded for [[Minnesota Vikings]] quarterback [[Daunte Culpepper]] instead.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Pasquarelli |first1=Len |author-link1=Len Pasquarelli |last2=Clayton |first2=John |author-link2=John Clayton (sportswriter) |date=March 14, 2006 |title=Vikings deal Culpepper to Miami for second-round pick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368259 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504094551/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368259 |archive-date=May 4, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> Brees signed a six-year, $60 million deal with the Saints on March 14, 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John |author-link=John Clayton (sportswriter) |date=March 14, 2006 |title=Brees agrees to six-year deal with Saints |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368304 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626111008/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368304 |archive-date=June 26, 2018 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> The Dolphins' decision to not sign Brees was the reason why [[Nick Saban]] resigned and left to coach for Alabama Crimson Tide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dedaj |first=Paulina |date=July 22, 2021 |title=Alabama's Nick Saban says he left Dolphins after Drew Brees' failed physical |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/bamas-nick-saban-dolphins-doctor-failed-drew-brees-physical |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722185248/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/bamas-nick-saban-dolphins-doctor-failed-drew-brees-physical |archive-date=July 22, 2021 |access-date=July 22, 2021 |website=FOX News}}</ref>

====2006 season====
{{See also|2006 New Orleans Saints season}}
Brees had a productive first year with the Saints. The team, under first-year head coach [[Sean Payton]], rebounded from its disastrous [[2005 New Orleans Saints season|2005 season]], when the team was [[Effect of Hurricane Katrina on the New Orleans Saints|unable to play in New Orleans]] due to the [[Effect of Hurricane Katrina on the Louisiana Superdome|damage]] caused by [[Hurricane Katrina]] and struggled to a 3–13 record, to finish with a 10–6 regular season record and won the NFC South division title. The Saints also earned the NFC's second seed as well as a first-round bye.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Clifton |date=December 11, 2006 |title=Signature Victory in Saints' Season of Renewal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/11/sports/football/11cowboys.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214102946/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/11/sports/football/11cowboys.html |archive-date=December 14, 2013 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2006.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051710/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2006.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 5, in the 31–14 victory over the [[2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], he had 314 passing yards and three touchdowns to earn his first NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 5th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611050tam.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629034535/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611050tam.htm |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL Week 9 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/week_9.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825110333/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/week_9.htm |archive-date=August 25, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 19, in a 31–16 victory over the [[2006 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]], he threw for a career-high 510 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at New Orleans Saints – November 19th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611190nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081854/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611190nor.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees's 510 passing yards marked a single-game franchise record and was the sixth most for a single game in NFL history at the time.<ref name="singlegame">{{Cite web |title=NFL Passing Yards Single Game Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_single_game.htm |access-date=December 3, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322040525/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_single_game.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In Week 14, a 42–17 victory over the [[2006 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]], he had 384 passing yards and five touchdowns to earn his second NFC Offensive Player of the Week award in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys – December 10th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200612100dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174113/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200612100dal.htm |archive-date=March 14, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL Week 14 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/week_14.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825073834/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/week_14.htm |archive-date=August 25, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees threw a league-leading and franchise record 4,418 passing yards, finished third in the league with 26 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions, and had a 96.2 passer rating.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/passing.htm |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051706/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2006 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees was named starting quarterback for the NFC in the [[2007 Pro Bowl]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081740/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> and was named as a First-team All-Pro.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082047/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/allpro.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On January 5, 2007, Brees was named first runner-up behind former teammate Tomlinson for league MVP by the [[Associated Press]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2011 |title=MVP Winners: 2001-2010 |url=https://mvpvoting.wordpress.com/2001-2010/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818202626/https://mvpvoting.wordpress.com/2001-2010/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=NFL MVP Voting}}</ref> Brees and Tomlinson were co-recipients of the [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/walter-payton-nfl-man-of-the-year-09000d5d82059f05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404031807/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82059f05/article/walter-payton-nfl-man-of-the-year |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=NFL}}</ref>

On January 13, 2007, in his first playoff game for New Orleans, Brees was 20–of–32 in passing attempts with one touchdown and no interceptions against the [[2006 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] in the [[2006–07 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 27, Philadelphia Eagles 24|Divisional Round]] at the [[Mercedes-Benz Superdome|Louisiana Superdome]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints – January 13th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200701130nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630042805/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200701130nor.htm |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The Saints held on to win 27–24, and advanced to the franchise's first [[NFC Championship Game]] against the [[2006 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]. Though he completed 27 of 49 passes for 354 yards and two touchdowns, Brees committed three costly turnovers, and was penalized for an intentional grounding in the endzone, resulting in a [[Safety (American football score)|safety]], as the Saints lost in the [[2006–07 NFL playoffs#NFC Championship: Chicago Bears 39, New Orleans Saints 14|NFC Championship]] by a score of 39–14.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilner |first=Barry |date=January 22, 2007 |title=Bears reach first Super Bowl in 21 years |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap;_ylt=AnvlF4Cz0U8fEkX29CykCwE5nYcB?gid=20070121003&prov=ap |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209214229/https://www.yahoo.com/?err=404&err_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsports.yahoo.com%2Fnfl%2Frecap%3B_ylt%3DAnvlF4Cz0U8fEkX29CykCwE5nYcB%3Fgid%3D20070121003&prov=ap |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=November 28, 2008 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> Brees dislocated his left elbow during the first quarter of the Pro Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 11, 2007 |title=Brees dislocates non-throwing elbow in Pro Bowl |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2761463 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025436/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2761463 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=November 3, 2017 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

====2007 season====
{{See also|2007 New Orleans Saints season}}
Brees's second season with the Saints started rough with a 0–4 start, with three losses by the Saints in that stretch by at least 17 points.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marot |first=Michael |date=September 7, 2007 |title=Manning, Colts Rout Saints 41-10 |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2007/09/07/manning-colts-rout-saints-41-10/61719443007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817185622/http://oklahoman.com/article/3121845/manning-colts-rout-saints-41-10 |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=Oklahoman}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - September 16th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709160tam.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412141406/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709160tam.htm |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newberry |first=Paul |date=September 25, 2007 |title='This is a tough one': Monday night football: Titans 31, Saints 14 |url=https://tucson.com/sports/football/professional/nfl/this-is-a-tough-one-monday-night-football-titans-saints/article_c535cc03-6470-53b7-9edd-180f588a511b.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817185726/https://tucson.com/sports/football/professional/nfl/this-is-a-tough-one-monday-night-football-titans-saints/article_c535cc03-6470-53b7-9edd-180f588a511b.html |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=Arizona Daily Star |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> However, the Saints started a winning streak after Week 5. In Week 8, a 31–10 victory over the [[2007 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]], he had 336 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – October 28th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200710280sfo.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808015412/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200710280sfo.htm |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/week_8.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009185253/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/week_8.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> After the next game, a 41–24 victory over the [[2007 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], the Saints were back at .500 with a 4–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2007 |title=Saints Get Back to .500 |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/3164185/saints-get-back-to-500/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817190121/http://oklahoman.com/article/3164185/saints-get-back-to-500 |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=Oklahoman |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In Week 15, a 31–24 victory over the [[2007 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]], he had 315 passing yards and two touchdowns to earn another NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints – December 16th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200712160nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009133438/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200712160nor.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL Week 15 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/week_15.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132143/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/week_15.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 17, against the [[2007 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]], Brees tied [[Aaron Brooks (American football)|Aaron Brooks]]'s franchise record for pass attempts in a single game with 60 in the 33–25 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears - December 30th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200712300chi.htm |access-date=December 3, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=December 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203201229/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200712300chi.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="attempts">{{Cite web |title=NFL Pass Attempts Single Game Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_att_single_game.htm |access-date=December 3, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005193938/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_att_single_game.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Overall, in the [[2007 NFL season|2007 season]], Brees passed for 4,423 yards, topped his own record and tied a then franchise record with 28 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051629/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2007 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He also set the NFL record previously held by [[Rich Gannon]] for pass completions in a single season with 440.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Passes Completed Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_single_season.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016220126/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_single_season.htm |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> However, the Saints missed the playoffs with a 7–9 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813211626/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====2008 season====
[[File:Drew Brees Saints 2008.jpg|220px|right|thumb|Brees in 2008 at [[FedExField|Fedex Field]]]]
{{See also|2008 New Orleans Saints season}}
In 2008, the Saints again missed the playoffs but Brees had a strong year statistically, finishing 15 yards short of the NFL record for passing yards thrown in a single season set by [[Dan Marino]] in 1984.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2008 |title=Brees finishes 15 yards shy of Marino's mark |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2008/dec/29/brees-finishes-15-yards-shy-of-marinos-mark/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723183456/http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2008/dec/29/brees-finishes-15-yards-shy-of-marinos-mark/ |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |access-date=July 23, 2019 |website=The Spokesman-Review |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In Week 3, against the [[2008 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]], Brees set a single-game franchise record for pass completions with 39 in the 34–32 loss.<ref name="passcompletions">{{Cite web |title=NFL Passes Completed Single Game Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_single_game.htm |access-date=December 3, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=August 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824190204/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_single_game.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He passed for 421 yards and a passing touchdown in the loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos - September 21st, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809210den.htm |access-date=December 3, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065615/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809210den.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Brees earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September, going over 300 passing yards and having a passer rating over 110 in three of the four games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |date=October 2, 2008 |title=CUTLER, BREES HEADLINE FIRST-TIME PLAYERS OF MONTH |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2008/10/02/cutler-brees-headline-first-time-players-of-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502164151/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2008/10/02/cutler-brees-headline-first-time-players-of-month/ |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |access-date=May 2, 2022 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}}</ref> In Week 6, a 34–3 victory over the [[2008 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]], he was 26 of 30 for 320 yards and three touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints – October 12th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810120nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009185310/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810120nor.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 NFL Week 6 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/week_6.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217193927/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/week_6.htm |archive-date=February 17, 2021 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 8, a 37–32 victory over the [[2008 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]], he had 339 passing yards and three touchdowns to earn another NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints – October 26th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810260nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132157/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810260nor.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/week_8.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132217/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/week_8.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 12, a 51–29 win over the [[2008 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]], he had 323 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn his third NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints – November 24th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811240nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716172717/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811240nor.htm |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 NFL Week 12 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/week_12.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009185252/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/week_12.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He finished the season with 5,069 yards and became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051652/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2008 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Passing Yards Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_single_season.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914200624/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_single_season.htm |archive-date=September 14, 2021 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2008 |title=Kasay helps Panthers solidify NFC's No. 2 seed with win over Saints |url=https://www.nfl.com/games/panthers-at-saints-2008-reg-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516004005/https://www.nfl.com/games/panthers-at-saints-2008-reg-17 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=NFL}}</ref>

He passed for 300 yards ten times during the 2008 season, tying [[Rich Gannon]]'s 2002 record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fox |first=Ashley |date=December 23, 2011 |title=Fox: Don't overlook Brees for MVP |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7383377/overlook-brees-nfl-mvp |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He was named [[FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week|FedEx Air Player of the Week]] for his performances during Weeks 8 and 12 and was named the [[Associated Press|AP]] 2008 Offensive Player of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2009 |title=Saints QB Brees is AP Offensive Player of Year |url=https://www.deseret.com/2009/1/6/20294997/saints-qb-brees-is-ap-offensive-player-of-year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927093105/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705275593/Saints-QB-Brees-is-AP-Offensive-Player-of-Year.html |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=Deseret News |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He was named to his third career Pro Bowl for his 2008 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316160330/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

Brees started to serve on the executive committee of the [[National Football League Players Association]] this season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=April 16, 2011 |title=New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees proud of his stand against the NFL |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_251f89aa-3107-5ab1-8d99-05b52362e267.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817185257/https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_251f89aa-3107-5ab1-8d99-05b52362e267.html |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref> He remained on the committee through the 2014 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pelissero |first=Tom |date=March 18, 2014 |title=Three candidates emerge in race for NFLPA president |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/03/18/nflpa-president-ben-watson-ryan-clark-eric-winston/6586737 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424124143/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/03/18/nflpa-president-ben-watson-ryan-clark-eric-winston/6586737/ |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pelissero |first=Tom |date=March 19, 2014 |title=Brees steps down from NFLPA committee |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/5751/brees-steps-down-from-nflpa-committee |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608161407/http://espn.go.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/5751/brees-steps-down-from-nflpa-committee |archive-date=June 8, 2016 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>

====2009 season: Super Bowl XLIV====
{{See also|2009 New Orleans Saints season}}
[[File:Drew Brees after winning Super Bowl XLIV Jan. 7th, 2010.jpg|thumb|left|Brees celebrating the Super Bowl win with his son Baylen]]
In the first game of the [[2009 NFL season|2009 season]] against the [[2009 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]], Brees set a career-high and franchise-tying record with six touchdown passes, going 26 out of 34 for 358 yards. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Lions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reineking |first=Jim |date=December 20, 2015 |title=Brees, Saints kicked off historic season vs. Lions |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/brees-saints-kicked-off-historic-season-vs-lions-0ap3000000606062 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817183819/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000606062/printable/brees-saints-kicked-off-historic-season-vs-lions |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=NFL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Week 1 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/week_1.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009185305/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/week_1.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The next week, Brees led the Saints to a 48–22 win over the [[2009 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]], throwing for 311 yards and three touchdown passes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles – September 20th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909200phi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808231013/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909200phi.htm |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees also tied the record for most touchdown passes by the end of Week 2 with nine touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guee |first=Joe |date=September 24, 2009 |title=It Won't Be a Brees, but a Billstampede Will Cool off the Saints |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/261037-it-wont-be-a-brees-but-a-billstampede-will-cool-off-the-saints |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817184303/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/261037-it-wont-be-a-brees-but-a-billstampede-will-cool-off-the-saints |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> Following Week 3, Brees was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2010 |title=2009 NFL Awards Honor Saints Personnel |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/2009-nfl-awards-honor-saints-personnel-2132585 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417165940/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/2009-nfl-awards-honor-saints-personnel-2132585 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |access-date=May 2, 2022 |website=New Orleans Saints}}</ref> In Week 6, against the 5–0 [[2009 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], Brees completed 23 of 30 passes for 369 yards, four touchdown passes, and a passer rating of 156.8 in a dominant 48–27 victory to his second NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at New Orleans Saints – October 18th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910180nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808231135/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910180nor.htm |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Week 6 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/week_6.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319093135/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/week_6.htm |archive-date=March 19, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

In Week 7, Brees led a dramatic comeback victory on the road against the [[2009 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]], 46–34. The [[2009 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]] quickly faced a 24–3 deficit in the second quarter, trailing for the first time all season at that point, and failing to score on their first possession as they had in all of their previous contests. Brees had a poor outing, but provided two crucial rushing touchdowns, one just before halftime to narrow the deficit to 24–10, and one in the third quarter to give the Saints their first lead of the game, 37–34.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allee-Walsh |first=Brian |date=October 26, 2009 |title=Saints still perfect after thrilling comeback win over Dolphins |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_569c3e13-b654-567f-81c8-1c0fa3734392.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817183953/https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_569c3e13-b654-567f-81c8-1c0fa3734392.html |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref> The 21-point comeback tied for the largest in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Comebacks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/comebacks.htm |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

The next week, Brees threw for 308 yards on 25 of 33 passing along with two touchdowns and one interception in leading the Saints to a 35–27 victory and franchise tying best start at 7–0 against the rival [[2009 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – November 2nd, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911020nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110225103/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911020nor.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In week 9, Brees helped guide the team to a 30–20 victory over the [[2009 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]]. This was Brees's first victory over the Carolina Panthers in the Superdome and gave the Saints their best start in franchise history at 8–0.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martelap |first=Brett |date=November 9, 2009 |title=Saints rally past Panthers 30-20 to move to 8-0 |url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2009/11/09/saints-rally-past-panthers-30-20-to-move-to-8-0/ |access-date=May 29, 2024 |website=The Oakland Press |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – November 8th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911080nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117041821/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911080nor.htm |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 12, Brees led the Saints to an 11–0 record, defeating the [[2009 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] 38–17. Brees totaled 371 yards passing, posting a [[perfect passer rating]] of 158.3, and became the first player to throw for five touchdowns against a team coached by [[Bill Belichick]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Jeff |date=September 17, 2017 |title=Remembering Patriots-Saints in 2009 when Drew Brees authored the best passing performance in modern NFL history |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_31dd4b8e-66c1-5d82-a4ff-0498df421308.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818202806/https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_31dd4b8e-66c1-5d82-a4ff-0498df421308.html |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref> He earned his third NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod for the 2009 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints – November 30th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911300nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051640/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911300nor.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Week 12 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/week_12.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009133440/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/week_12.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> After close victories over the [[2009 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] and Falcons in successive weeks to start 13–0, Brees and the Saints lost for the first time that season to the [[2009 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]], 24–17, after [[DeMarcus Ware]] caused a Brees fumble in the final seconds, ending a fourth quarter rally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – December 19th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912190nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155408/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912190nor.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The Saints lost their last two games, with Brees sitting out the Week 17 finale against the Carolina Panthers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers - January 3rd, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001030car.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626133917/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001030car.htm |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Their 13–3 record secured the #1 seed in the NFC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2009.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051627/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2009.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The 13 regular season victories set a single-season franchise record for the Saints.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/index.htm |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120200824/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Drew Brees at Saints Super Bowl parade 2010-02-09.jpg|thumb|Brees at the Saints [[Super Bowl XLIV]] victory parade. ]]
Brees's individual statistics led to numerous accolades,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aymond |first=Brady |date=January 21, 2010 |title=Savior Saint |url=http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20100121/SPORTS/1210325/Savior-Saint |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313134726/http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20100121/SPORTS/1210325/Savior-Saint |archive-date=March 13, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2011 |website=The Advertiser}}</ref> including a [[Pro Bowl]] selection, the [[Maxwell Football Club]]'s [[Bert Bell Award]], and runner-up in voting for the AP [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|MVP]], [[National Football League Offensive Player of the Year Award|Offensive Player of the Year]], and First-team [[All-Pro]] awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821031640/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/probowl.htm |archive-date=August 21, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bert Bell Award (Player of the Year) Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/bert-bell-award.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502031719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/bert-bell-award.htm |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He finished the season with a completion percentage of 70.62, establishing a new NFL record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martel |first=Brett |date=December 31, 2009 |title=Like Williams, Brees prefers to play for record |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-like-williams-brees-prefers-to-play-for-record-2009dec31-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217075850/http://seattletimes.com/html/sports/2010656444_apfbnsaintsbreesrecord.html |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=January 13, 2010 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Record & Fact Book |url=http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/indiv/passing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513031657/http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/indiv/passing |archive-date=May 13, 2008 |access-date=January 13, 2010 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

In the [[2009–10 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 45, Arizona Cardinals 14|Divisional Round]], Brees recorded 247 passing yards and three touchdowns as the Saints routed the [[2009 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]] 45–14. In the [[2009–10 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 31, Minnesota Vikings 28 (OT)|NFC Championship]], The Saints defeated the [[2009 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] 31–28 in overtime to help the Saints advance to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Playoff History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/playoffs.htm |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120141210/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/playoffs.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Brees completed 17 of 31 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns.<ref name="Jenkins" /> The Saints defeated the [[2009 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] 31–17 in [[Super Bowl XLIV]] on February 7, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Litke |first=Jim |date=February 8, 2010 |title=Brees answers 'Who dat?' with MVP performance |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-brees-answers-who-dat-with-mvp-performance-2010feb07-story.html |access-date=May 29, 2024 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Brees tied a Super Bowl record with 32 pass completions and won the [[Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/super-bowl-mvp-award.htm |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803110815/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/super-bowl-mvp-award.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLIV - New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts - February 7th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201002070clt.htm |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008060625/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201002070clt.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the first league championship in Saints franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Jarrett |date=February 7, 2010 |title=Saints stump Colts 31–17 to win franchise's first Super Bowl title |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-02-07-super-bowl_N.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211184146/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-02-07-super-bowl_N.htm |archive-date=February 11, 2010 |access-date=February 8, 2010 |website=USA Today}}</ref> Brees was named the 2010 ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' Sportsman of the Year, both for his winning the Super Bowl and his charitable work towards the reconstruction of New Orleans.<ref name="SOY">{{Cite magazine |last=Layden |first=Tim |date=November 30, 2010 |title=SI's 2010 Sportsman of the Year: New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees |url=https://www.si.com/sportsperson/2010/11/30/sportsman-drew-brees |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203021856/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/magazine/11/29/sportsman/ |archive-date=December 3, 2010 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref> On December 17, 2010, he was named AP Male Athlete of the Year. Within four short years after joining the Saints, Brees was more accurate in his throws than any of the Saints' past quarterbacks.<ref name="Jenkins">{{Cite magazine |last=Jenkins |first=Lee |date=2010 |title=For You, New Orleans |url=http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/48076924 |url-status=live |magazine=Sports Illustrated |volume=112 |issue=7 |page=30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209214238/https://connect.ebsco.com/s/article/Why-did-the-link-I-clicked-from-a-website-outside-of-EBSCO-take-me-here?language=en_US |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=February 24, 2015}}</ref> Brees and his teammates were welcomed back to New Orleans with a blues band along with thousands of celebrating fans.<ref name="Jenkins" />

====2010 season====
{{See also|2010 New Orleans Saints season}}

In the 2010 regular season, Brees passed for over 300 yards seven times and helped lead the Saints to a six-game winning streak late in the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117204148/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2010/ |archive-date=January 17, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The Saints qualified for the playoffs with a 11–5 record, but were eliminated in the [[2010–11 NFL playoffs#NFC: Seattle Seahawks 41, New Orleans Saints 36|Wild Card Round]] by the [[2010 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] by a score of 41–36 in the [[Beast Quake]] game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Booth |first=Tim |date=January 12, 2014 |title=Lynch, Seahawks run past Saints |url=https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2014/01/12/lynch-seahawks-run-past-saints-/4434553/ |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=Citizen Times |agency=[[Associated Press]] |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209214229/https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2014/01/12/lynch-seahawks-run-past-saints-/4434553/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Brees finished with 404 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in the loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks – January 8th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101080sea.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802182754/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101080sea.htm |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl-fourth with the Saints.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thorman |first=Joel |date=December 28, 2010 |title=2011 NFL Pro Bowl: NFC Ties Scoring Record In 55-41 Win |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2010/12/28/1900658/2011-pro-bowl-rosters-announced-nfl-network |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818202950/https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2010/12/28/1900658/2011-pro-bowl-rosters-announced-nfl-network |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=SBNation}}</ref> Brees had a less successful season statistically, throwing a career-high 22 interceptions, tying the franchise record held by Aaron Brooks, although he managed to throw for 4,620 yards and 33 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/single-season-passing.htm |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2011 |title=NFL Network series ranks the 100 best players of 2011 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-network-series-ranks-the-100-best-players-of-2011-09000d5d81edf13e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328120157/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81edf13e/article/nfl-network-series-ranks-the-100-best-players-of-2011 |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=NFL}}</ref> He was ranked ninth on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2011]] players' list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2011-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425184739/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2011-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====2011 season====
{{see also|2011 New Orleans Saints season#Records}}
[[File:Drew Brees running Saints practice at Tulane (1).jpg|thumb|Brees practicing with the Saints in 2011.]]
The [[2011 NFL season|2011 season]] was a record-breaking season for Brees as he led the NFL in completion percentage, passing yards and passing touchdowns, which is known as the "Triple Crown".<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 7, 2014 |title=NFL Triple Crown winners |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000356600/NFL-Triple-Crown-winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217150741/http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000356600/NFL-Triple-Crown-winners |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |access-date=February 9, 2022 |website=[[National Football League|NFL.com]]}}</ref> He broke [[Dan Marino]]'s 27-year-old record for most passing yards in one season (5,084) in the 15th game of the season (week 16) against the [[2011 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] at home in [[New Orleans]] at the [[Mercedes-Benz Superdome]] with a touchdown pass to [[Darren Sproles]]. Brees also set a new Saints franchise record for passing touchdowns in a season with 46.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 26, 2011 |title=Drew Brees sets single-season passing record as Saints clinch NFC South |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=311226018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107145827/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=311226018 |archive-date=January 7, 2016 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

In Week 2, during the Saints' home-opener, Brees defeated the [[2011 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] for the first time in his career as a starting quarterback, leaving the [[Baltimore Ravens]] as the only remaining NFL team which Brees had never beaten to that point.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints – September 18th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109180nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155404/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109180nor.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On October 23, in a 62–7 victory over the [[2011 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], he was 31 of 35 for 325 passing yards and five touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints – October 23rd, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110230nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081742/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110230nor.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Colts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Week 7 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/week_7.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504090734/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/week_7.htm |archive-date=May 4, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 28, a Week 12 49–24 victory over the [[2011 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], he had 363 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at New Orleans Saints – November 28th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111280nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009133434/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111280nor.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Week 12 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/week_12.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504091210/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/week_12.htm |archive-date=May 4, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In a home game on December 4 against the [[2011 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]], Brees passed for 342 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – December 4th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112040nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155413/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112040nor.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees's performance gave him 4,031 yards on the season, making him the first quarterback in NFL history to eclipse the 4,000-yard mark in the first 12 games of a season, and the first quarterback to reach four consecutive seasons with 4,000+ yards and 30+ [[touchdown pass]]es. In Week 15, against the [[2011 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], Brees threw for 412 yards with five passing touchdowns. With that game, Brees became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for five touchdowns, 400+ yards, while also maintaining a completion percentage of 80%, in a game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – December 18th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112180min.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051716/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112180min.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Players with at least 400 pass yds, five touchdowns, and 80% completion in a single game, NFL history |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=game&year_min=1950&year_max=2016&season_start=1&season_end=-1&age_min=0&age_max=0&pos=0&game_type=R&career_game_num_min=0&career_game_num_max=499&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&week_num_min=0&week_num_max=99&c1stat=pass_yds&c1comp=gt&c1val=400&c2stat=pass_td&c2comp=gt&c2val=5&c3stat=pass_cmp_perc&c3comp=gt&c3val=80&c4stat=choose&c4comp=gt&c5comp=choose&c5gtlt=lt&c6mult=1.0&c6comp=choose&order_by=game_date |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220082020/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=game&year_min=1950&year_max=2016&season_start=1&season_end=-1&age_min=0&age_max=0&pos=0&game_type=R&career_game_num_min=0&career_game_num_max=499&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&week_num_min=0&week_num_max=99&c1stat=pass_yds&c1comp=gt&c1val=400&c2stat=pass_td&c2comp=gt&c2val=5&c3stat=pass_cmp_perc&c3comp=gt&c3val=80&c4stat=choose&c4comp=gt&c5comp=choose&c5gtlt=lt&c6mult=1.0&c6comp=choose&order_by=game_date |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

In Week 16, against the [[2011 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] at the [[Mercedes-Benz Superdome]], Brees broke Dan Marino's longstanding record of passing yards in a single season of 5,084 with a nine-yard touchdown pass to [[Darren Sproles]] with just under three minutes left in the fourth quarter of the game. He needed 305 yards to break the record entering the game and exceeded that mark with 307. He ended the game having thrown for 5,087 total passing yards for the regular season with one game remaining. With his second-quarter, eight-yard touchdown pass to [[Marques Colston]], Brees extended his streak of consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 42 games. Marino congratulated Brees via [[Twitter]] after the game, saying "Congrats to @drewbrees. Great job by such a special player." Brees responded by tweeting, "Thanks to  @DanMarino for his class and support during this run. It is an honor to attempt to follow the example he set for us all."<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=151564613664772096 |user=drewbrees |title=Thanks to @DanMarino for his class and support during this run. It is an honor to attempt to follow the example he set for us all |date=December 26, 2011 |access-date=February 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816194153/https://twitter.com/drewbrees/status/151564613664772096 |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |url-status=live |last=Brees |first=Drew}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Jeff |date=December 30, 2011 |title=Records keep piling up for the New Orleans Saints: First-and-10 |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_f0bd352f-d500-54bb-858f-c4900c4e96c7.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103055937/https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/12/first-and-10_23.html |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref> He earned his third and final NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor for the 2011 season with his performance against the Falcons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Week 16 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/week_16.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319093125/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/week_16.htm |archive-date=March 19, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

In Week 17, against the [[2011 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]], Brees closed out the season by setting six NFL records, finishing the year with 468 completions for 5,476 yards, edging out [[Tom Brady]] of the [[New England Patriots]], who also surpassed Marino's record with 5,235 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=January 1, 2012 |title=Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford all top 5,000 yards |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/01/drew-brees-tom-brady-matthew-stafford-all-top-5000-yards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818203311/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/01/drew-brees-tom-brady-matthew-stafford-all-top-5000-yards/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=ProFootballTalk}}</ref> He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month for December to close out the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varney |first=James |date=January 5, 2012 |title=New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees is NFC offensive player of the month |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_429a0ec2-945d-5f72-912e-7ae3ad17e9e2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502163646/https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_429a0ec2-945d-5f72-912e-7ae3ad17e9e2.html |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |access-date=May 2, 2022 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref> Brees averaged 342.25 yards passing per game, which broke [[Dan Fouts]]'s record of 320.3 in a strike-shortened {{nfly|1982}} season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Single-Season Passing Yards per Game Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_per_g_single_season.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229051346/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_per_g_single_season.htm |archive-date=December 29, 2011 |access-date=January 3, 2012 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cacciola |first=Scott |date=December 13, 2011 |title=The NFL's Mount Passmore |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203430404577094751107933064 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209220650/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203430404577094751107933064 |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=May 26, 2022 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> In 2013, [[Peyton Manning]] bested Brees's record by one passing yard, and finished the season with an NFL-record 5,477 passing yards, averaging 342.31 yards per game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2013 |title=Peyton Manning sets mark for passing yards in season |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/peyton-manning-sets-mark-for-passing-yards-in-season-0ap2000000305757 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822152819/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000305757/article/peyton-manning-sets-mark-for-passing-yards-in-season |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In the NFC [[2011–12 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 45, Detroit Lions 28|Wild Card Round]], Brees passed for 466 yards and three passing touchdowns as the Saints defeated the [[2011 Detroit Lions|Detroit Lions]] by a score of 45–28.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – January 7th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205131741/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070nor.htm |archive-date=February 5, 2019 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> At the time, Brees's 466 passing yards marked the second-most in a playoff game in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Passing Yards Single Game Playoffs Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_single_game_playoffs.htm |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He did set the NFL record for passing yards in a regulation playoff game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schilken |first=Chuck |date=January 8, 2012 |title=Drew Brees, Saints keep rolling through the record books |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/sports-now/story/2012-01-07/drew-brees-saints-keep-rolling-through-the-record-books |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120195317/https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/sports-now/story/2012-01-07/drew-brees-saints-keep-rolling-through-the-record-books |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Brees and the Saints lost in the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs#NFC: San Francisco 49ers 36, New Orleans Saints 32|Divisional Round]] to the [[2011 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] by a score of 36–32 in a back-and-forth contest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=John |date=January 14, 2012 |title=49ers Beat Saints in a Shootout |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/sports/football/49ers-beat-saints-in-a-shootout.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822214027/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/sports/football/49ers-beat-saints-in-a-shootout.html |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2019 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In the loss, Brees passed for 462 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and two interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – January 14th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201140sfo.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109074852/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201140sfo.htm |archive-date=November 9, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He was named to his sixth career Pro Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830174119/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/probowl.htm |archive-date=August 30, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He was ranked as the second-best player in the league by his peers on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2012]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2012-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407054434/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2012-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====2012 season====
[[File:Brees 2013 Pro Bowl Cropped.jpg|thumb|Brees at the [[2013 Pro Bowl]]]]
{{See also|2012 New Orleans Saints season}}

On July 13, the Saints and Brees agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract. The contract included the largest amount of guaranteed money in NFL history, at $60 million. $40 million of the contract was paid the first year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mortensen |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Mortensen |date=July 13, 2012 |title=Sources: Drew Brees, Saints agree |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8163701/sources-drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-agree-record-contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714013517/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8163701/sources-drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-agree-record-contract |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref>

Due to the year-long suspension of head coach Sean Payton as a result of [[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal|Bountygate]], Brees entered the season with a temporary head coach in the form of offensive line coach [[Aaron Kromer]], who was the Saints' coach for the first six games of the season while planned interim coach [[Joe Vitt]] was serving a suspension of his own.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fendrich |first=Howard |date=March 21, 2012 |title=Saints coach Sean Payton suspended for season over bounties |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/03/22/saints-coach-sean-payton-suspended-season-over-bounties/15872159007/ |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=The Florida Times-Union |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2012 |title=Saints' Kromer to coach team in Vitt's absence |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8294219/new-orleans-saints-aaron-kromer-coach-team-joe-vitt-absence |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> After Week 8, Vitt took over head coaching responsibilities for the rest of the 2012 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |author-link=Adam Schefter |date=April 12, 2012 |title=Vitt tabbed to coach Saints in Payton's absence |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7806938/joe-vitt-tabbed-coach-new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-absence |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

Brees and the Saints started the season with a 0–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Jesse |date=October 3, 2012 |title=New Orleans Saints: Why Season Is Not Lost Despite 0-4 Start |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1357680-why-saints-season-is-not-lost-despite-0-4-start |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501155647/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1357680-why-saints-season-is-not-lost-despite-0-4-start |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref>  One highlight in that losing streak was in Week 4, when he passed for 446 yards and three touchdowns in a 28–27 loss to the [[2012 Green Bay Packers|Green Bay Packers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers - September 30th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209300gnb.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829120423/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209300gnb.htm |archive-date=August 29, 2017 |access-date=March 19, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 5, Brees threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to [[Devery Henderson]] against his former team, the [[2012 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]. This was his 48th consecutive game with a touchdown pass. With that touchdown pass, Brees broke [[Johnny Unitas]]'s consecutive game streak with at least one touchdown pass, and Unitas' son Joe was present at the Superdome to witness his father's 52-year-old record being broken.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2012 |title='NFL Films Presents': Brees breaks Unitas' record |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-presents/0ap2000000099541/NFL-Films-Presents-Brees-breaks-Unitas-record |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217150957/http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-presents/0ap2000000099541/NFL-Films-Presents-Brees-breaks-Unitas-record |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |access-date=February 9, 2022 |website=[[National Football League]]}}</ref> [[Sean Payton]], [[Joe Vitt]] and [[Mickey Loomis]], who were all serving suspensions due to the "[[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal|Bountygate]]" scandal, were granted permission to watch the Week 5 game against the [[San Diego Chargers]] due to Brees potentially breaking Unitas' record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Copeland |first=Kareem |date=October 3, 2012 |title=Sean Payton, Joe Vitt Allowed To Attend Saints Game |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/sean-payton-joe-vitt-allowed-to-attend-saints-game-0ap1000000069267 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006234042/http://wap.nfl.com/news/0ap1000000069267/brees-request-allows-payton-vitt-to-attend-saints-game/ |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Brees earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his 370-yard, four-touchdown, and one-interception effort against the Chargers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints – October 7th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210070nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009185311/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210070nor.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Week 5 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/week_5.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009185255/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/week_5.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Without their head coach, the Saints had lost their first four games but ended the losing streak with a 31–24 win over the Chargers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2012.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306064025/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2012.htm |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

In the Week 13 game against the [[2012 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], Brees threw no touchdowns and a career-high five interceptions, ending his consecutive game streak with at least one touchdown pass at 54.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2014 |title=Falcons pick off Brees 5 times, beat Saints 23-13 |url=https://www.tiftongazette.com/falcons-pick-off-brees-5-times-beat-saints-23-13/article_6c5ff4af-ea16-52ec-b57c-b5f64a36d204.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501160119/https://www.tiftongazette.com/falcons-pick-off-brees-5-times-beat-saints-23-13/article_6c5ff4af-ea16-52ec-b57c-b5f64a36d204.html |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=The Tifton Gazette |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In Week 14, against the [[2012 New York Giants|New York Giants]], Brees threw for 354 yards, giving him his seventh straight 4,000-yard passing season, surpassing [[Peyton Manning]]'s mark.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2012 |title=Underpowered In NY: Giants, Wilson Pound Mistake-Prone Saints 52-27 |url=https://www.neworleansprofootball.com/2012/12/underpowered-in-ny-giants-wilson-pound.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817183235/https://www.neworleansprofootball.com/2012/12/underpowered-in-ny-giants-wilson-pound.html |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=New Orleans Pro Football}}</ref> It was also his fifth straight season with at least 30 touchdown passes and 4,000 yards passing, also an NFL record. Brees finished the 2012 season with 5,177 passing yards and 43 touchdowns despite having the worst defensive support in the NFL, whose 7,042 yards conceded was an all-time NFL record, and the team finished the season with a 7–9 record and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raborn |first=Tyler |date=March 17, 2013 |title=New Orleans Saints: The 2012 Defense Broke a Record and the Bank |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1568281-new-orleans-saints-the-2012-defense-broke-a-record-and-the-bank |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821183348/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1568281-new-orleans-saints-the-2012-defense-broke-a-record-and-the-bank |archive-date=August 21, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2012.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155415/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2012.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

For the seventh time, Brees was selected to the [[2013 Pro Bowl]], this time as an injury replacement for [[Robert Griffin III]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2013 |title=Drew Brees replacing injured RG3 on NFC's Pro Bowl roster |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/drew-brees-replacing-injured-rg3-on-nfc-s-pro-bowl-roster-0ap1000000124329 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928115018/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000124329/article/drew-brees-replacing-injured-rg3-on-nfcs-pro-bowl-roster |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[National Football League]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023449/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He was ranked 11th by his peers on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2013]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409042306/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>
[[File:New Orleans Saints Quarterback, Drew Brees (23262414434) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Brees in 2013.]]

====2013 season====
{{See also|2013 New Orleans Saints season}}
Brees and the Saints started the 2013 season with a 5–0 record.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2013 |title=Saints best Bears, start 5-0 for first time since 2009 |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/06/saints-best-bears-start-5-0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204175312/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/06/saints-best-bears-start-5-0/ |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=ProFootballTalk}}</ref> In that stretch was a Week 4 38–17 home victory over the [[2013 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]], where he had 413 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints – September 30th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309300nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120348/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309300nor.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week_4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706214741/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week_4.htm |archive-date=July 6, 2017 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 10, a 49–17 victory over the [[2013 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]], he had 392 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn another NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – November 10th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206092053/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100nor.htm |archive-date=February 6, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Week 10 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week_10.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313001238/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week_10.htm |archive-date=March 13, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 12, Brees passed [[Warren Moon]] for fifth on the career passing yards list with 49,566.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2013 |title=Drew Brees Passes Warren Moon for Fifth Place on All-Time NFL Passing Yards List |url=https://nesn.com/2013/11/saints-quarterback-drew-brees-passes-warren-moon-for-fifth-place-on-all-time-nfl-passing-yards-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105224447/https://nesn.com/2013/11/saints-quarterback-drew-brees-passes-warren-moon-for-fifth-place-on-all-time-nfl-passing-yards-list/ |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=NESN}}</ref> During Week 14, Brees became the fastest player ever to join the 50,000-yard club and only the fifth player to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGarry |first=Tim |date=December 8, 2013 |title=Drew Brees joins the 50,000-yard club |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/12/drew-brees-50000-passing-yards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109130713/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/12/drew-brees-50000-passing-yards |archive-date=November 9, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> He did it in 183 games, passing the 50,000 milestone on a pass to [[Jimmy Graham]] in the fourth quarter of a 31–13 Saints win over the [[2013 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] on December 8, in which he threw four touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – December 8th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312080nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508174206/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312080nor.htm |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 17, a 42–17 victory over the [[2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], he had 381 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn his third NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod for the 2013 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – December 29th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312290nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009185259/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312290nor.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Week 17 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week_17.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132155/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week_17.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees also extended his NFL record to a sixth straight season of at least 30 touchdown passes with 4,000 passing yards, his third straight 5,000-yard season, and his eighth straight 4,000-yard season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=December 8, 2013 |title=Sunday night wrap-up: Brees joins select company |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/08/sunday-night-wrap-up-brees-joins-select-company |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109130712/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/08/sunday-night-wrap-up-brees-joins-select-company/ |archive-date=November 9, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref> For his successful performance in 2013, he was named to his eighth career Pro Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307082346/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The Saints finished with an 11–5 record and narrowly defeated the [[2013 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] 26–24 in the [[2013–14 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 26, Philadelphia Eagles 24|Wild Card Round]], but lost 23–15 to the [[2013 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] in the [[2013–14 NFL playoffs#NFC: Seattle Seahawks 23, New Orleans Saints 15|Divisional Round]], who went on to win [[Super Bowl XLVIII]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles - January 4th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201401040phi.htm |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2014 |title=Seahawks hold off Saints, advance to NFC title game |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/seahawks-hold-off-saints-advance-to-nfc-title-game |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323123059/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/ |archive-date=March 23, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He finished ranked sixth by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2014]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2014-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112164602/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2014-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====2014 season====
{{See also|2014 New Orleans Saints season}}
Brees admits that the 2014 season was his "most frustrating".<ref name="King">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Peter |date=January 4, 2016 |title=An Aging Star, A Lost Season |url=https://www.si.com/2015/01/26/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817182637/https://www.si.com/2015/01/26/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=Sports Illustrated . |language=en}}</ref> The Saints finished with a 7–9 record and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2014 |title=Payton promises change after Saints go 7-9 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/12/30/payton-promises-change-after-saints-go-7-9/21064105/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818221333/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/12/30/payton-promises-change-after-saints-go-7-9/21064105/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=USA Today |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Brees' 2014 season began with a pair of games lost on game-ending field goals by the other team; in Week 1, the Saints lost 37–34 on the road to the [[2014 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] in overtime and in Week 2, in a 26–24 road loss to the [[2014 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]], he moved into fourth place on the [[List of National Football League passing yardage leaders|career passing yardage]] list, ahead of [[John Elway]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – September 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814021727/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070atl.htm |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Cleveland Browns – September 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140cle.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051605/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140cle.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=September 15, 2014 |title=Colston shut out; Brees passes Elway |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/9589/colston-shut-out-brees-passes-elway |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915184940/http://espn.go.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/9589/colston-shut-out-brees-passes-elway |archive-date=September 15, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> On October 19, in a road game against the [[2014 Detroit Lions|Detroit Lions]], Brees became the NFL's all-time leader in completion percentage at 66.21%, surpassing [[Chad Pennington]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Career Pass Completion % Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_perc_career.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407161829/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_perc_career.htm |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |access-date=December 30, 2010 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 30, in a Week 13 35–32 road victory over the [[2014 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]], he had 257 passing yards and five touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week, which was the 20th time in his career he has earned the award over his career in both the AFC with the Chargers and the NFC with the Saints.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 30th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012181022/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300pit.htm |archive-date=October 12, 2020 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Week 13 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_13.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401170332/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_13.htm |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In a Week 15 road game against the [[2014 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]], he extended his streak to an NFL-record seventh straight season with at least 30 touchdown passes and nine straight seasons of 4,000 passing yards. However his streak of 5,000 passing yard seasons ended at three, as he passed for 4,952 yards, which was good enough to tie him with Steelers quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] for the most passing yards in the league that season. The occurrence marked the first time in NFL history that two players tied for the passing yards lead.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Terrell |first=Katherine |date=December 15, 2014 |title=Drew Brees extends records in near-perfect game vs. Chicago |work=[[The Times-Picayune]] |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_72aef1d6-906e-50da-b2c2-a1cf08cf3222.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216091741/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/12/drew_brees_extends_records_in.html |archive-date=December 16, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=December 30, 2014 |title=Brees, Roethlisberger have NFL's first tie for passing yardage lead |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/30/brees-roethlisberger-have-nfls-first-tie-for-passing-yardage-lead/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818203500/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/30/brees-roethlisberger-have-nfls-first-tie-for-passing-yardage-lead/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=ProFootballTalk}}</ref> He was named to his seventh consecutive and ninth career Pro Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816061701/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He was ranked 30th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2015]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412105827/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

[[File:Drew Brees 2015.jpg|thumb|Brees in 2015 at [[Fedex Field]]]]

====2015 season====
{{See also|2015 New Orleans Saints season}}
Brees and the Saints started the 2015 season with an 0–3 start with two of the losses being by one possession. On October 4, 2015, in Week 4, his 80-yard touchdown pass to [[C. J. Spiller]] on the second play of overtime gave the Saints a 26–20 victory over the [[2015 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]], and the team's first win of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giardina |first=AJ |date=October 5, 2015 |title=Drew Brees and C.J. Spiller help Saints win a thriller in OT against Dallas |url=https://www.wlox.com/story/30184225/drew-brees-and-cj-spiller-help-saints-win-a-thriller-in-ot-against-dallas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818203617/https://www.wlox.com/story/30184225/drew-brees-and-cj-spiller-help-saints-win-a-thriller-in-ot-against-dallas/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=WLOX |language=en-US}}</ref> He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his effort against the Cowboys.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – October 4th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510040nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155343/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510040nor.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009133432/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_4.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]=}}</ref> The touchdown gave Brees 400 for his career, making him the fifth player in NFL history to reach the 400 touchdown milestone. Also, he became the fastest player ever to reach 400 touchdowns, doing so in 205 games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erickson |first=Joel |date=October 11, 2015 |title='This rarely happens': Saints quarterback Drew Brees joins elite 400 club in unforgettable fashion |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_769cd00f-241f-53bb-9c8c-5612ac21afbe.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818203705/https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_769cd00f-241f-53bb-9c8c-5612ac21afbe.html |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref> Brees also completed his 5,000th pass with a touchdown to tight end [[Josh Hill (American football)|Josh Hill]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodbery |first=Evan |date=October 4, 2015 |title=Saints-Cowboys recap |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_d2caadf0-6394-56bd-825f-7b971515d50d.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208212750/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/10/saints_cowboys_recap.html |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Busbee |first=Jay |date=October 5, 2015 |title=Drew Brees wins game with 400th career touchdown |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/drew-brees-throws-for-400th-touchdown--5-000th-career-completion-011955640.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909010950/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/drew-brees-throws-for-400th-touchdown--5-000th-career-completion-011955640.html |archive-date=September 9, 2017 |access-date=November 15, 2015 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> It was the quickest regular season overtime win in the history of the NFL at 13 seconds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chase |first=Chris |date=October 4, 2015 |title=Saints set record with overtime win over Cowboys |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/10/new-orleans-saints-win-dallas-cowboys-drew-brees-cj-spiller-tony-romo-fastest-overtime-win-nfl-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201022639/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/10/new-orleans-saints-win-dallas-cowboys-drew-brees-cj-spiller-tony-romo-fastest-overtime-win-nfl-history |archive-date=February 1, 2016 |access-date=February 5, 2016 |website=USA Today}}</ref>

On November 1, 2015, Brees tied the NFL record of [[List of NFL quarterbacks with seven touchdown passes in a game|touchdown passes in a game]] with seven during a 52–49 Saints win over the [[2015 New York Giants season|New York Giants]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Triplett |first1=Mike |last2=Graziano |first2=Dan |date=November 1, 2015 |title=Drew Brees ties NFL mark with 7 TDs; Eli Manning top 10 all-time in TDs |work=[[ESPN]] |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14027913/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-ties-nfl-mark-7-tds-eli-manning-newyork-giants-top-10-all-tds |url-status=live |access-date=November 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101215813/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14027913/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-ties-nfl-mark-7-tds-eli-manning-newyork-giants-top-10-all-tds |archive-date=November 1, 2015}}</ref> In that game, he completed 39-of-50 passes for 505 yards to record his second career game with at least 500 passing yards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubin |first=Jared |date=November 1, 2015 |title=Drew Brees ties NFL record with seven TD passes against Giants |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25360491/drew-brees-ties-nfl-record-with-7th-td-pass-of-the-game |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102195147/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25360491/drew-brees-ties-nfl-record-with-7th-td-pass-of-the-game |archive-date=November 2, 2015 |access-date=November 2, 2015 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref> He became the second player in NFL history to have multiple 500-yard passing games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 26, 2021 |title=500-yard NFL passers in a game |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/nfl-500-yard-passers-in-a-game-1.26542194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829165211/https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/nfl-500-yard-passers-in-a-game-1.26542194 |archive-date=August 29, 2019 |access-date=August 29, 2019 |website=Newsday |language=en}}</ref> He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his historic performance against the New York Giants.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_8.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319093130/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_8.htm |archive-date=March 19, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In Week 12, his streak of 45 consecutive games with a touchdown pass ended in a 24–6 loss at [[2015 Houston Texans season|Houston]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans – November 29th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511290htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155427/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511290htx.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Two weeks later, he surpassed [[Dan Marino]] for fourth in career touchdown passes as the Saints beat the [[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] by a score of 24–17.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fitzgerald |first=Matt |date=December 13, 2015 |title=Drew Brees Passes Dan Marino for 4th on NFL's All-Time Passing TD List |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2598652-drew-brees-passes-dan-marino-for-4th-on-nfls-all-time-passing-td-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417193302/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2598652-drew-brees-passes-dan-marino-for-4th-on-nfls-all-time-passing-td-list |archive-date=April 17, 2016 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> In Week 15, he became the fourth quarterback to reach the 60,000-yard milestone—in 215 games, the fastest ever—and had his 10th straight 4,000-yard season, plus his 94th 300-yard game, but the [[2015 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]] won 35–27. This put him first in most 300-yard games as Brees and [[Peyton Manning|Manning]] had been tied at 93 games prior to that game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dabe |first=Christopher |date=December 22, 2015 |title=Drew Brees sets NFL record with 94th career 300-yard passing game. |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_8f4ef35e-8312-5461-80f9-050b9f127c25.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426212238/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_saints_drew_brees_76.html |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref> A week later, his streak was extended to an eighth straight season with at least 30 touchdown passes, plus his 95th 300-yarder, all NFL records, against the [[2015 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2015 |title=Brees sharp despite foot injury, Saints beat Jaguars 38–27 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791528 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128133846/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791528 |archive-date=November 28, 2016 |access-date=November 27, 2016 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> With a Week 17 win over the [[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], Brees finished the season with four straight 300-yard games, for a career record total of 96, and a season total 4,870 yards passing, leading the league in passing yards for a record sixth time despite missing one game due to an injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dabe |first=Christopher |date=January 4, 2016 |title=Drew Brees ends season as NFL passing leader for a record sixth time |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_8f7f8c30-58b3-5c4d-93a3-c358202b27a5.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817182413/https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_8f7f8c30-58b3-5c4d-93a3-c358202b27a5.html |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref> Despite the accomplishments on the field, the Saints finished with a 7–9 record and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2016 |title=Saints await Payton's plans after second straight 7-9 record |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/01/05/saints-await-paytons-plans-after-second-straight-7-9-record/78310834/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818220209/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/01/05/saints-await-paytons-plans-after-second-straight-7-9-record/78310834/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=USA Today |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He was ranked 30th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2016]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428090815/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2016 season====
{{See also|2016 New Orleans Saints season}}
{{external media|video1={{YouTube|fVdbPHcy38Q|Video of Brees throwing an 87-yard touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks}}}}
In the Saints' 2016 season opener, Brees threw a career-high 98-yard touchdown pass to [[Brandin Cooks]] in a narrow 35–34 home loss to the [[2016 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]].<ref name=RadiersSaints/> He finished the game 28–of–42 for 423 yards and four touchdown passes.<ref name=RadiersSaints/> His 400-yard performance tied him with Peyton Manning for the most 400-yard passing games in NFL history.<ref name="RadiersSaints">{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2016 |title=Raiders withstand Drew Brees' monster game to win thriller |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/raiders-withstand-drew-brees-monster-game-to-win-thriller-091116 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105083745/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/raiders-withstand-drew-brees-monster-game-to-win-thriller-091116 |archive-date=January 5, 2017 |access-date=January 4, 2017 |website=foxsports.com}}</ref><ref name=NOLA/> The next week, he passed [[Dan Marino]] for third place in career passing yards in a loss to the [[2016 New York Giants season|New York Giants]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=September 18, 2016 |title=Drew Brees moves to third in career passing yards in loss to Giants |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17576827/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-passes-dan-marino-career-yardage-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105084618/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17576827/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-passes-dan-marino-career-yardage-list |archive-date=January 5, 2017 |access-date=January 4, 2017 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref>

On October 16, in Week 6, Brees threw for 465 yards and four touchdown passes with one interception in a 41–38 home win over the [[2016 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – October 16th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610160nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611132703/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610160nor.htm |archive-date=June 11, 2020 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> With this performance, Brees set an NFL record with the 15th 400-yard passing performance of his career.<ref name="fourhrecord">{{Cite web |last1=Triplett |first1=Mike |last2=Newton |first2=David |date=October 16, 2016 |title=Drew Brees sets NFL record with 15th 400-yard passing game |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17809654/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-sets-nfl-mark-400-yard-games-win |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814101723/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17809654/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-sets-nfl-mark-400-yard-games-win |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=February 15, 2018 |website=ESPN}}</ref> Brees reached another milestone in the game, becoming the sixth player to record 50,000 passing yards with one team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dabe |first=Christopher |date=October 16, 2016 |title=Drew Brees tops 50,000 passing yards with New Orleans Saints |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/drew-brees-tops-50-000-passing-yards-with-new-orleans-saints/article_5cb4b058-38cf-5ece-88a9-0cc627110d13.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=NOLA.com |language=en}}</ref> The other five players are Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts), [[Brett Favre]] (Green Bay Packers), Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins), [[Tom Brady]] (New England Patriots), and [[John Elway]] (Denver Broncos).<ref name="NOLA">{{Cite web |last=Dabe |first=Christopher |date=October 16, 2016 |title=Drew Brees tops Peyton Manning for most 400-yard games, and other key numbers from Sunday |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_719b5568-4d4f-5e7f-b8d0-0e8b4afd008b.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018220616/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2016/10/saints_panthers_numbers_2016.html |archive-date=October 18, 2016 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref>

In Week 7, Brees became the first player in NFL history with 100 games of 300+ passing yards, in a loss against the [[2016 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] on October 23.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saints' Drew Brees Becomes First With 100 300-Yard Passing Games |url=http://www.todayspigskin.com/nfl-news/saints-drew-brees-becomes-first-with-100-300-yard-passing-games/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909052909/https://www.todayspigskin.com/nfl-news/saints-drew-brees-becomes-first-with-100-300-yard-passing-games/ |archive-date=September 9, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |website=www.todayspigskin.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees becomes first player with 100 games of 300 passing yards |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/video/drew-brees-becomes-first-player-with-100-games-of-300-pass-yards-17942062 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110185752/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/video/drew-brees-becomes-first-player-with-100-games-of-300-pass-yards-17942062 |archive-date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=November 10, 2019 |website=New Orleans Saints}}</ref>

During Week 16, Brees and [[Aaron Rodgers]] tied the NFL record for most seasons with at least 35 touchdown passes with four—a record shared with [[Peyton Manning]] and [[Tom Brady]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most seasons with at least 35 passing touchdowns, career |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/ww1Iz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209214231/https://stathead.com/tools/tiny.fcgi?id=ww1Iz |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=December 25, 2016 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref name="mosttdpass">{{Cite web |title=NFL Single-Season Passing Touchdowns Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_td_single_season.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201232241/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_td_single_season.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |access-date=December 25, 2016 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

Brees finished the 2016 season leading the league in passing yards with 5,208, the second most of his career and the fifth 5,000-yard season of his career—more than all other 5,000-yard seasons combined (4).<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2017 |title=Drew Brees Has More 5,000-Yard Seasons Than All Other QBs in History Combined |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2684786-drew-brees-has-more-5000-yard-seasons-than-all-other-qbs-in-history-combined |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209214232/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2684786-drew-brees-has-more-5000-yard-seasons-than-all-other-qbs-in-history-combined |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=January 4, 2017 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> He threw for 471 completions, breaking his NFL record of 468 set in 2011, and a career-high 673 attempts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 4, 2017 |title=Game by Game: Getting Saints' Brees to NFL's career completion record |url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/04/new-orleans-saints-drew-brees-completion-record-brett-favre-peyton-manning-opponents-game-by-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818204408/https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/04/new-orleans-saints-drew-brees-completion-record-brett-favre-peyton-manning-opponents-game-by-game/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=Saints Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en}}</ref> Brees finished third in touchdown passes with 37, the fourth most of his career. He finished second in completion percentage (70.0%),<ref name="2016leaderspfr">{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/leaders.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108041718/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/leaders.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=January 4, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |publisher=Sports Reference}}</ref> making it the third time he has completed at least 70% of his passes in a season.{{efn|Brees completed 69.985% of his passes during the 2016 season, which was rounded up to 70%.}} Despite his performance, for the third straight season, the Saints finished 7–9 and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=January 1, 2017 |title=Saints stuck in 7-9 rut but have faith 2017 will be better |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/25130 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818215255/https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/25130 |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He was named to his tenth career Pro Bowl for his 2016 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317035954/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 17, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was ranked 16th by his peers on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2017]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408124714/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2017 season====
{{See also|2017 New Orleans Saints season}}

Brees and the Saints started the 2017 season with a 0–2 record before winning eight consecutive games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martel |first=Brett |date=November 20, 2017 |title=NFL's top game: Saints extend streak to 8 with OT win |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/11/20/nfls-top-game-saints-extend-streak-8-ot-win/107864366/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923231632/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/11/20/nfls-top-game-saints-extend-streak-8-ot-win/107864366/ |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In Week 13, he passed [[Peyton Manning]] for second place in career completions in a 31–21 victory over the Carolina Panthers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erickson |first=Joel |date=December 3, 2017 |title=Drew Brees passes Peyton Manning, moves into second place on career completions list |url=https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_320c9c04-d896-11e7-9a59-7fa18b347aa5.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211010600/https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_320c9c04-d896-11e7-9a59-7fa18b347aa5.html |archive-date=December 11, 2018 |access-date=December 10, 2018 |website=The Advocate |language=en}}</ref> On December 19, 2017, Brees was named to his 11th career Pro Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2017 |title=NFL announces 2018 Pro Bowl rosters |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/updated-player-rosters-for-2018-pro-bowl-in-orlando-0ap3000000895772 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220125215/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000895772/article/nfl-announces-2018-pro-bowl-rosters |archive-date=December 20, 2017 |access-date=December 26, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> During Week 16 against the [[2017 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], Brees became the third player to amass over 70,000 passing yards in a career, doing so in an NFL fastest 248 games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Nick |date=December 24, 2017 |title=Drew Brees Makes NFL History With Incredible Career Milestone |url=https://www.12up.com/posts/5928455-drew-brees-makes-nfl-history-with-incredible-career-milestone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818204542/https://www.12up.com/posts/5928455-drew-brees-makes-nfl-history-with-incredible-career-milestone |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=12up.com |language=en}}</ref> In that game, he earned his 12th consecutive 4,000-yard season as the Saints won 23–13.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 24, 2017 |title=Drew Brees reaches milestone of 70,000 passing yards |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/drew-brees-becomes-fastest-qb-to-70-000-yards-0ap3000000897268 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225035254/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000897268/article/drew-brees-becomes-fastest-qb-to-70000-yards |archive-date=December 25, 2017 |access-date=December 24, 2017 |publisher=NFL}}</ref> Brees finished the 2017 season by setting a then-NFL record 72.0 completion percentage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morale III |first=Amos |date=December 31, 2017 |title=Drew Brees posts highest completion percentage in NFL history |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_31f78f9d-731a-5575-88c8-c9e61ae6cab5.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101045207/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/12/drew_brees_posts_highest_compl.html |archive-date=January 1, 2018 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[The Times-Picayune]]}}</ref> He led the league in number of completions (386) and yards per pass attempt (8.1), and finished second in passer rating (103.9).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/passing.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007194038/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/passing.htm |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |access-date=January 19, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Saints finished with an 11–5 record, won the NFC South, and returned to the [[2017–18 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] for the first time since the 2013 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2017.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329201656/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2017.htm |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2017–18 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 31, Carolina Panthers 26|Wild Card Round]] against the [[2017 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]], he had 376 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the 31–26 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – January 7th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801070nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174558/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801070nor.htm |archive-date=January 10, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2017–18 NFL playoffs#NFC: Minnesota Vikings 29, New Orleans Saints 24|Divisional Round]] against the [[2017 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], he had 294 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in the [[Minneapolis Miracle|29–24 loss]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – January 14th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801140min.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116155148/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801140min.htm |archive-date=January 16, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Horner |first=Scott |date=January 14, 2018 |title=Vikings beat Saints, Drew Brees on the most bonkers game-ending play |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2018/01/14/vikings-beat-saints-drew-brees-most-bonkers-game-ending-play/1033095001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701151040/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2018/01/14/vikings-beat-saints-drew-brees-most-bonkers-game-ending-play/1033095001/ |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=July 1, 2019 |website=Indianapolis Star |language=en}}</ref> He was ranked eighth by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2018]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408124716/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2018 season====
{{See also|2018 New Orleans Saints season}}
On March 13, 2018, Brees signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the Saints with $27 million guaranteed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=March 13, 2018 |title=Drew Brees, Saints agree on two-year, $50 million deal |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/drew-brees-saints-agree-on-two-year-50-million-deal-0ap3000000920839 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323085826/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920839/article/drew-brees-saints-agree-to-twoyear-50-million-deal |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |access-date=March 15, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

In Week 1, Brees threw for more than 400 yards for a record 16th time in his career, but the [[2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] won 48–40.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Duncan |first=Jeff |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Nobody saw this coming: Saints dealt worst opening loss of Payton-Brees era |work=[[The Times-Picayune]] |url=https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/09/saints_bucs_column_2.html |url-status=dead |access-date=March 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910165034/https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/09/saints_bucs_column_2.html |archive-date=September 10, 2018}}</ref> In Week 3, against the [[2018 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], Brees broke Brett Favre's record for career pass completions in the second quarter with his 6,301st career completion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2018 |title=Brees Breaks Favre's Record for Completions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/09/23/sports/football/23reuters-football-nfl-no-brees-record.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924000834/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/09/23/sports/football/23reuters-football-nfl-no-brees-record.html |archive-date=September 24, 2018 |access-date=September 23, 2018 |website=The New York Times |agency=Reuters}}</ref> In that game, a 43–37 overtime Saints victory, Brees threw for 396 yards and three touchdowns, and also ran for two more scores, including the game-winner in overtime, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=September 26, 2018 |title=Big Ben, Drew Brees among NFL Players of the Week. On October 8th, Bree's broke the record for most passing yards in NFL history. |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/big-ben-drew-brees-among-nfl-players-of-the-week-0ap3000000966754 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002042454/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000966754/article/big-ben-drew-brees-among-nfl-players-of-the-week |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=NFL}}</ref> In Week 5 against the [[2018 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]], Brees surpassed Peyton Manning for the NFL's all-time passing yardage record with a 62-yard touchdown pass to [[Tre'Quan Smith]] late in the second quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Nate |date=October 8, 2018 |title=Drew Brees overtakes Peyton Manning to become NFL's career passing leader as Saints crush Redskins |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2018/10/08/saints-drew-brees-overtakes-peyton-manning-all-time-passing-yards/1559346002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711023344/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2018/10/08/saints-drew-brees-overtakes-peyton-manning-all-time-passing-yards/1559346002/ |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=USA Today |language=en}}</ref> He went on to complete 26 of 29 passes, setting a then career-high 89.66 single-game completion percentage, for 363 yards and three touchdowns in the 43–19 victory, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in three weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maya |first=Adam |date=October 10, 2018 |title=Drew Brees, Isaiah Crowell among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/drew-brees-isaiah-crowell-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000000972353 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011053534/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000972353/article/drew-brees-isaiah-crowell-among-players-of-the-week |archive-date=October 11, 2018 |access-date=March 15, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> After breaking the passing yards record, Brees sent a personalized football and letter to those players that helped him reach the milestone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Nick |date=December 14, 2018 |title=Drew Brees sends classy gift to teammates who helped him break NFL record |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2018/12/14/drew-brees-classy-gift-teammates-coaches-helped-set-passing-record/38739623/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818211218/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2018/12/14/drew-brees-classy-gift-teammates-coaches-helped-set-passing-record/38739623/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=USA Today}}</ref> 

Following a bye week, Brees claimed his first career victory against the [[2018 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] with a score of 24–23, making him the third quarterback in NFL history to beat all 32 teams, joining Peyton Manning and Brett Favre.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hendrix |first=John |date=October 21, 2019 |title=Drew Brees becomes 3rd quarterback to beat all 32 NFL teams |url=https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2018/10/21/18006922/drew-brees-becomes-third-quarterback-beat-all-32-nfl-teams-ravens-peyton-manning-brett-favre |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035826/https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2018/10/21/18006922/drew-brees-becomes-third-quarterback-beat-all-32-nfl-teams-ravens-peyton-manning-brett-favre |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=Canal Street Chronicles}}</ref> During this game, Brees also became the fourth quarterback in NFL history, along with Manning, Favre, and [[Tom Brady]], to reach 500 career touchdown passes when he threw a 1-yard touchdown to [[Benjamin Watson]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Jarrett |date=October 21, 2018 |title=Saints QB Drew Brees throws 500th career TD pass |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2018/10/21/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-500-touchdown-passes/1723248002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022033539/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2018/10/21/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-500-touchdown-passes/1723248002/ |archive-date=October 22, 2018 |access-date=October 21, 2018 |website=USA Today}}</ref> After a season-low 120 yards and his first interception of the season in a win over the [[2018 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – October 28th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810280min.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123102337/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810280min.htm |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |access-date=February 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Brees logged 346 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions to hand the [[2018 Los Angeles Rams season|Rams]] their first loss of the season in Week 9.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martel |first=Brett |date=November 4, 2018 |title=Drew Brees, Saints hand Rams first loss of the season |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/11/04/drew-brees-saints-hand-rams-first-loss-season/J0Vbf2DWnSfAVze9Dh02EM/story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211010630/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/11/04/drew-brees-saints-hand-rams-first-loss-season/J0Vbf2DWnSfAVze9Dh02EM/story.html |archive-date=December 11, 2018 |access-date=December 10, 2018 |website=The Boston Globe}}</ref> In a Week 10 matchup against the [[2018 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]], Brees passed Brett Favre for second in career passing touchdowns with a 17-yard touchdown to [[Michael Thomas (wide receiver, born 1993)|Michael Thomas]] in a 51–14 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kay |first=Joe |date=November 12, 2018 |title=Brees passes Favre with 3 TDs, Saints crush Bengals 51–14 |url=https://apnews.com/8f12634a1cd34af89fe15f4a6a0972f8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211052727/https://apnews.com/8f12634a1cd34af89fe15f4a6a0972f8 |archive-date=December 11, 2018 |access-date=December 10, 2018 |website=AP NEWS}}</ref> Brees was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November passing for 16 touchdowns to two interceptions in that stretch.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2018 |title=Drew Brees named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/drew-brees-named-nfc-offensive-player-of-the-month-for-november?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211010305/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/drew-brees-named-nfc-offensive-player-of-the-month-for-november?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |archive-date=December 11, 2018 |access-date=December 10, 2018 |website=New Orleans Saints |language=en-US}}</ref>

Brees finished the season with 364 completions, 489 attempts, 3,992 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns and five interceptions over 15 games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2019 |title=Saints QB Brees: I'm still green |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/07/27/saints-qb-brees-im-still-green/39815189/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818211002/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/07/27/saints-qb-brees-im-still-green/39815189/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=USA Today |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He sat out the season finale after the Saints had clinched the NFC's #1 seed the week prior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Mike |date=December 23, 2018 |title=Saints clinch top seed in NFC, dent Steelers' playoff odds |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2018/12/23/new-orleans-saints-clinch-top-seed-dent-steelers-playoff-hopes/2404312002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818210145/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2018/12/23/new-orleans-saints-clinch-top-seed-dent-steelers-playoff-hopes/2404312002/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=USA Today |language=en}}</ref> He set an NFL record for completion percentage (74.4%), breaking his previous record (72.0%) set in {{NFL year|2017}},<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2018 |title=Drew Brees breaks own completion percentage record |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/drew-brees-breaks-own-completion-percentage-record |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110014140/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/drew-brees-breaks-own-completion-percentage-record |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=New Orleans Saints}}</ref> and led the league in passer rating (a career high of 115.7). However, with his 3,992 yards, his NFL record streak of 12 consecutive seasons with at least 4,000 passing yards came to an end.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Partsch |first=Raymond |date=December 30, 2018 |title=Saints choose rest over records |url=https://www.iberianet.com/sports/saints-choose-rest-over-records/article_c30fbcaa-0c92-11e9-96ec-53881085c125.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110214018/https://www.iberianet.com/sports/saints-choose-rest-over-records/article_c30fbcaa-0c92-11e9-96ec-53881085c125.html |archive-date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=iberianet.com |publisher=The Daily Iberian}}</ref> He led the league with six fourth quarter comebacks and seven game-winning drives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/passing.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123011741/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/passing.htm |archive-date=January 23, 2019 |access-date=March 1, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[2018–19 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 20, Philadelphia Eagles 14|Divisional Round]] against the [[2018 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]], the Saints started badly, quickly falling into a 14–0 hole, but recovered and scored 20 unanswered points over the final three quarters to win and advance to their first [[NFC Championship Game]] since their 2009 Super Bowl winning season. Brees completed 28 of 38 passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the win.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zucker |first=Joseph |date=January 13, 2019 |title=Drew Brees Lifts Saints to NFC Championship with Win vs. Nick Foles, Eagles |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2815486-drew-brees-lifts-saints-to-nfc-championship-with-win-vs-nick-foles-eagles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818215036/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2815486-drew-brees-lifts-saints-to-nfc-championship-with-win-vs-nick-foles-eagles |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2019 |title=Saints rally past Eagles 20-14, will host NFC title game |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401038958 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117070034/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401038958 |archive-date=January 17, 2019 |access-date=January 22, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In the [[2018 NFC Championship Game|NFC Championship]], Brees passed for 249 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception as the Saints lost 26–23 in overtime to the [[2018 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] following a controversial missed pass interference call on a play that started at the Rams' 13-yard line with 1:49 left in regulation. If called, the penalty could have allowed the Saints to run out most of the clock, due to the Rams having only one timeout remaining, and try a go-ahead field goal that would have likely won the game for New Orleans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silverman |first=Steve |date=January 22, 2019 |title=Rams, Patriots Overtime Victories Make Championship Sunday One For The Ages |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevesilverman/2019/01/22/rams-patriots-overtime-victories-make-championship-sunday-one-for-the-ages/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123071536/https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevesilverman/2019/01/22/rams-patriots-overtime-victories-make-championship-sunday-one-for-the-ages/ |archive-date=January 23, 2019 |access-date=January 22, 2019 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirshner |first=Alex |date=January 20, 2019 |title=Missed pass interference on Rams probably cost Saints a Super Bowl spot |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/1/20/18190891/pass-interference-rams-saints-nickell-robey-coleman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209214232/https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/1/20/18190891/pass-interference-rams-saints-nickell-robey-coleman |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |website=SBNation.com}}</ref> Brees became the first and only player in NFL history to throw touchdown passes to 15 different players (of which nine were undrafted) in a single season, including the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Abdeldaiem |first=Alaa |date=January 20, 2019 |title=Drew Brees throws TD to 15th different receiver this season |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/01/20/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-touchdown-passes-receivers-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817181628/https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/01/20/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-touchdown-passes-receivers-list |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref> He finished second in the MVP voting to [[Patrick Mahomes]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kasabian |first=Paul |date=February 2, 2019 |title=NFL MVP 2018-19: Award Winner, Voting Results and Twitter Reaction |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2818883-nfl-mvp-2018-19-award-winner-voting-results-and-twitter-reaction |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829164236/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2818883-nfl-mvp-2018-19-award-winner-voting-results-and-twitter-reaction |archive-date=August 29, 2019 |access-date=August 29, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> He was ranked as the second best player in the NFL by his peers on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2019]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2019-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405061617/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2019-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 5, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2019 season====
{{See also|2019 New Orleans Saints season}}
[[File:Drew Brees.png|thumb|Brees at the [[2020 Pro Bowl]] ]]
In the first game of the season against the [[2019 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]], Brees threw for 370 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception as the Saints overcame a slow start to win 30–28.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2019 |title=Lutz's 58-yard field goal lifts Saints over Texans, 30-28 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227103301/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128021 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |access-date=September 9, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In the Saints' Week 2 game against the [[2019 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]], Brees suffered an injury to his right hand on a hit from [[Aaron Donald]] which forced him out of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2019 |title=Saints' Drew Brees suffers right hand injury vs. Rams |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-drew-brees-suffers-right-hand-injury-vs-rams-0ap3000001055154 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510185006/https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-drew-brees-suffers-right-hand-injury-vs-rams-0ap3000001055154 |archive-date=May 10, 2021 |access-date=April 29, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The next day, an MRI revealed that Brees had suffered a torn ligament in the thumb of his right hand, which would require surgery and reportedly cause him to miss six to eight weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=September 16, 2019 |title=Drew Brees to have surgery on torn right thumb |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001055668/article/drew-brees-to-have-surgery-on-torn-right-thumb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916180313/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001055668/article/drew-brees-to-have-surgery-on-torn-right-thumb |archive-date=September 16, 2019 |access-date=September 16, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=October 26, 2019 |title=Drew Brees (thumb) set to start against Cardinals |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/drew-brees-thumb-set-to-start-against-cardinals-0ap3000001069503 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030185543/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001069503/article/drew-brees-thumb-set-to-start-against-cardinals |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |access-date=November 10, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Brees returned in Week 8 against the [[2019 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]], finishing with 373 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an interception as the Saints won 31–9.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Drew Brees throws for 3 TDs in return as Saints rout Cardinals |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27943069/drew-brees-throws-3-tds-return-saints-rout-cardinals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030194444/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27943069/drew-brees-throws-3-tds-return-saints-rout-cardinals |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |access-date=November 10, 2019 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> In Week 14, against the [[2019 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]], Brees completed 29 of 40 passes for 349 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions and scored a one-yard rushing touchdown, but his efforts were in vain as the Saints narrowly lost 48–46.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2019 |title=Garoppolo's 4 TD passes help 49ers top Saints, 48-46 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127964 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210191639/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127964 |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |access-date=December 8, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> During Week 15 against the [[2019 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], Brees broke former Colts quarterback [[Peyton Manning]]'s record for most career touchdowns, throwing his 540th to [[tight end]] [[Josh Hill (American football)|Josh Hill]] on his career-best 20th straight completion in the third quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeArdo |first=Bryan |date=December 16, 2019 |title=Saints' Drew Brees sets two NFL records in blowout win on 'Monday Night Football' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saints-drew-brees-sets-nfl-record-for-career-td-passes-on-monday-night-football/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217033227/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saints-drew-brees-sets-nfl-record-for-career-td-passes-on-monday-night-football/ |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |access-date=December 16, 2019 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref> Brees's record-breaking touchdown pass was his third touchdown pass on the night. He finished the game with four touchdowns and 304 yards as the Saints defeated the Colts by a 34–7 score.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2019 |title=Brees sets NFL all-time TD mark as Saints crush Colts 34-7 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128117 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217232242/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128117 |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |access-date=December 16, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In addition, Brees completed 29 of his 30 pass attempts for a career high and NFL single game record 96.7% completion percentage rate, surpassing the previous record (28 out of 29 passes for a 96.6% completion percentage rate) which had been set the previous year by his former Chargers teammate [[Philip Rivers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heifetz |first=Danny |date=December 17, 2019 |title=Drew Brees Is Your New Touchdown King, and the Saints Look Scary As Hell |url=https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/12/17/21025732/saints-colts-brees-all-time-touchdown-record-completion-percentage |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217084904/https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/12/17/21025732/saints-colts-brees-all-time-touchdown-record-completion-percentage |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |access-date=December 17, 2019 |website=The Ringer |language=en}}</ref> In the following week's game against the [[2019 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], Brees threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns during the 38–28 win. During the game, Brees helped wide receiver [[Michael Thomas (wide receiver, born 1993)|Michael Thomas]] break the single season receptions record formerly held by [[Marvin Harrison]] with his 144th catch of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2019 |title=Saints chasing NFC's top seed rally to beat Titans 38-28 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127935 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223145050/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127935 |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |access-date=December 22, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Brees earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month for December.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sigler |first=John |date=January 2, 2020 |title=Drew Brees named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for December |url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/02/drew-brees-nfc-offensive-player-of-the-month-december/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513175828/https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/02/drew-brees-nfc-offensive-player-of-the-month-december/ |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |access-date=May 2, 2022 |website=Saints Wire |language=en-US}}</ref> In the 2019 season, Brees appeared in 11 games and finished with 2,979 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and four interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217224301/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2019/ |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He finished with a completion percentage of 74.34%, which finished second in NFL history to his record from the previous season.<ref name="passcompletionpfr" />

In the [[2019–20 NFL playoffs#NFC: Minnesota Vikings 26, New Orleans Saints 20 (OT)|Wild Card Round]] against the [[2019 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], Brees threw for 208 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during the 26–20 overtime loss. In the game, Brees helped lead the Saints on a late drive to set up a game-tying field goal on a seven-play drive to force the overtime period.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2020 |title=Cook, Vikings upend Saints 26-20 in OT in NFC playoffs |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131038 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108074811/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131038 |archive-date=January 8, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2020 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He earned his 13th career Pro Bowl nomination after Russell Wilson gave up his spot.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Megan |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Russell Wilson Gives Drew Brees His Starting Spot in 2020 NFL Pro Bowl |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2873224-russell-wilson-gives-drew-brees-his-starting-spot-in-2020-nfl-pro-bowl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429204416/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2873224-russell-wilson-gives-drew-brees-his-starting-spot-in-2020-nfl-pro-bowl |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> He was ranked 12th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2020]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2020-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408124719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2020-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2020 season====
{{See also|2020 New Orleans Saints season}}
On March 17, 2020, Brees signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the Saints.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=March 17, 2020 |title=Drew Brees agrees to 2-year, $50M deal with Saints |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/drew-brees-agrees-to-2-year-50m-deal-with-saints-0ap3000001106597 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411040742/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001106597/article/drew-brees-agrees-to-2year-50m-deal-with-saints |archive-date=April 11, 2020 |access-date=April 8, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

In the Saints' regular-season opener against the [[2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] and their new quarterback [[Tom Brady]], Brees completed 18 of 30 passes for 160 passing yards and two touchdowns, breaking [[Brett Favre]]'s record for most career pass attempts in the process, as the Saints won by a score of 34–23.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=September 13, 2020 |title=Drew Brees sets record for career pass attempts in New Orleans Saints' win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29879812/drew-brees-sets-record-career-attempts-new-orleans-saints-opener |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915070159/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29879812/drew-brees-sets-record-career-attempts-new-orleans-saints-opener |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> Following the Week 1 victory, Brees helped lead the Saints to a 5–2 stretch leading into a second matchup with Brady in Week 9. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he passed for 222 yards and four touchdowns in the 38–3 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - November 8th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011080tam.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107052904/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011080tam.htm |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> With the win over the Buccaneers, Brees defeated Brady head-to-head for the second time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Werner |first=Barry |date=January 11, 2021 |title=How the first 2 rounds of Tom Brady vs. Drew Brees in 2020 turned out |url=https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2021/01/11/tampa-bay-buccaneers-new-orleans-saints-tom-brady-drew-brees-2020e-first-2-rounds-of-tom-brady-vs-drew-brees-in-2020-turned-out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415051044/https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2021/01/11/tampa-bay-buccaneers-new-orleans-saints-tom-brady-drew-brees-2020e-first-2-rounds-of-tom-brady-vs-drew-brees-in-2020-turned-out/ |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |website=Touchdown Wire |publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>

On November 15, 2020, Brees left the Saints’ Week 10 game against the [[2020 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] following the first half with a rib injury suffered on a sack attempt from [[Kentavius Street]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2020 |title=Drew Brees to miss at least three games after New Orleans Saints put him on IR |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-11-20/drew-brees-miss-at-least-three-games-saints-put-him-on-ir |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202200659/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-11-20/drew-brees-miss-at-least-three-games-saints-put-him-on-ir#:~:text=New%20Orleans%20quarterback%20Drew%20Brees,three%20games%20with%20rib%20injuries. |archive-date=February 2, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Brees completed 8 of 13 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shannon |first=Sam |date=November 15, 2020 |title=Game recap - Drew Brees leaves with rib injury; New Orleans Saints defeat San Francisco 49ers 27-13 |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/game-recap-drew-brees-leaves-with-rib-injury-new-orleans-saints-defeat-san-franc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116005406/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/game-recap-drew-brees-leaves-with-rib-injury-new-orleans-saints-defeat-san-franc |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=November 16, 2020 |website=New Orleans Saints}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Middlehurst-Schwartz |first=Michael |date=November 15, 2020 |title=Drew Brees leaves Saints' win vs. 49ers, Jameis Winston steps in at QB |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2020/11/15/drew-brees-injury-new-orleans-saints-jameis-winston/6306455002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116012534/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2020/11/15/drew-brees-injury-new-orleans-saints-jameis-winston/6306455002/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=November 16, 2020 |website=USA Today}}</ref> The next day, it was revealed Brees had suffered multiple broken ribs and a collapsed lung from the hits he had taken during the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=November 16, 2020 |title=Saints QB Drew Brees dealing with multiple broken ribs, lung issue |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-qb-drew-brees-multiple-broken-ribs-lung-issue-injury |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116200315/https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-qb-drew-brees-multiple-broken-ribs-lung-issue-injury |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=November 16, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Werder |first=Ed |date=November 16, 2020 |title=New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees has fractured ribs, collapsed lung, source says |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30331275/new-orleans-saints-drew-brees-fractured-ribs-collapsed-lung-source-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116195210/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30331275/new-orleans-saints-drew-brees-fractured-ribs-collapsed-lung-source-says |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=November 16, 2020 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> On November 20, 2020, Brees was placed on injured reserve, thereby ruling him out for at least the following three games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=November 20, 2020 |title=Saints place Drew Brees (ribs) on injured reserve, QB will miss at least next three games |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-place-drew-brees-on-injured-reserve-qb-will-miss-at-least-next-three-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120212603/https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-place-drew-brees-on-injured-reserve-qb-will-miss-at-least-next-three-game |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |access-date=November 20, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2020 |title=Saints Friday Injury Report: 2020 Week 11 vs. Atlanta Falcons |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/saints-friday-injury-report-2020-week-11-vs-atlanta-falcons |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120211348/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/saints-friday-injury-report-2020-week-11-vs-atlanta-falcons |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |access-date=November 21, 2020 |website=NewOrleansSaints.com}}</ref> After missing four games, Brees was activated on December 19, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2020 |title=New Orleans Saints announce roster moves |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-announce-roster-moves-12192020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113065934/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-announce-roster-moves-12192020 |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |website=NewOrleansSaints.com}}</ref> for the Saints' Week 15 game against the [[2020 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] and threw for 234 yards, three touchdowns and one interception;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at New Orleans Saints - December 20th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012200nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127113219/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012200nor.htm |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |access-date=December 20, 2020 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> during the Saints' 32–29 loss, Brees surpassed former [[Canadian Football League|Canadian Football League (CFL)]] quarterback [[Anthony Calvillo]] for first place in career passing yards in any professional outdoor gridiron football league.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2020 |title=Drew Brees breaks Anthony Calvillo record |url=https://thecanadian.news/2020/12/21/drew-brees-breaks-anthony-calvillo-record/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125141123/https://thecanadian.news/2020/12/21/drew-brees-breaks-anthony-calvillo-record/ |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |website=The Canadian}}</ref> During the Saints' next game against the [[2020 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] on [[National Football League Christmas games|Christmas Day]], Brees became the first quarterback in history to record 80,000 career passing yards as New Orleans won 52–33 to clinch a fourth straight NFC South title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Tyler |date=December 25, 2020 |title=Drew Brees becomes first player ever to pass for 80,000 yards as Saints clinch NFC South in Christmas win |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/drew-brees-becomes-first-player-ever-to-pass-for-80000-yards-as-saints-clinch-nfc-south-in-christmas-win/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309191343/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/drew-brees-becomes-first-player-ever-to-pass-for-80000-yards-as-saints-clinch-nfc-south-in-christmas-win/#:~:text=With%20his%20311%20yards%20passing,pass%20for%2080%2C000%20career%20yards. |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |access-date=April 29, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> Overall, he finished the 2020 season with 2,942 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions in twelve games with the Saints finishing with a 12–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111061149/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2020/ |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

In the [[2020–21 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 21, Chicago Bears 9|Wild Card Round]] against the [[2020 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]], Brees threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns during the 21–9 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints - January 10th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101100nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108043650/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101100nor.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=January 10, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2020–21 NFL playoffs#NFC: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30, New Orleans Saints 20|Divisional Round]] against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brees threw for 134 yards and a touchdown but also threw three interceptions in a 30–20 loss to eventual [[Super Bowl LV]] champions in what would turn out to be Brees' final game played in the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dajani |first1=Jordan |last2=Benjamin |first2=Cody |date=January 18, 2021 |title=Saints vs. Buccaneers score: Tom Brady advances to NFC Championship as Drew Brees' turnovers sink New Orleans |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saints-vs-buccaneers-score-tom-brady-advances-to-nfc-championship-as-drew-brees-turnovers-sink-new-orleans/live/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118025906/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saints-vs-buccaneers-score-tom-brady-advances-to-nfc-championship-as-drew-brees-turnovers-sink-new-orleans/live/ |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |access-date=January 18, 2021 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}}</ref>

On February 6, 2021, the Saints renegotiated Brees' contract, which reduced his salary down to $1.075 million for the upcoming season to save salary cap space.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Jelani |date=February 5, 2021 |title=Saints renegotiate QB Drew Brees' contract, free up cap space in 2021 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-renegotiate-qb-drew-brees-contract-frees-up-cap-space-in-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206034210/https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-renegotiate-qb-drew-brees-contract-frees-up-cap-space-in-2021 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> On March 14, 2021, exactly 15 years to the day that Brees signed his first contract with the [[New Orleans Saints]], Brees announced his retirement after twenty seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2021 |title=Drew Brees announces retirement |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/drew-brees-announces-nfl-retirement-new-orleans-saints-quarterback-career |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314211631/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/drew-brees-announces-nfl-retirement-new-orleans-saints-quarterback-career |archive-date=March 14, 2021 |access-date=March 15, 2021 |website=NewOrleansSaints.com}}</ref> The Saints placed him on their reserve/retired list on June 11, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=June 11, 2021 |title=Drew Brees officially goes on reserve/retired list |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/06/11/drew-brees-officially-goes-on-reserve-retired-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613133253/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/06/11/drew-brees-officially-goes-on-reserve-retired-list/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |access-date=June 16, 2021 |website=NBCSports.com}}</ref>