Saints HC Dennis Allen on Drew Brees Return: 'I Think the Comment Was Made in Jest'

New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen does not think Drew Brees is making an NFL return.

“I think the comment was made in jest," Allen told reporters Monday.

Brees set off a firestorm Sunday night when he speculated he could return to the field in response to rumors of his departure from NBC.

Allen's comments are in line with reporting by Peter King of NBC Sports, who wrote Brees underwent left shoulder surgery this month. 

"He’s not playing football," a source close to Brees told King.

The 43-year-old retired from football last year after playing 20 seasons with the Saints and Chargers. While he was still largely effective because of his accuracy and experience, Brees struggled with downfield passing and was a diminished version of himself by the end of the 2020 season.

A football return may seem tempting with Tom Brady planning to play at age 45 and following a debut television season that was, by all accounts, a disappointment. Brees took significant criticism for his performance calling the Cincinnati Bengals-Las Vegas Raiders wild-card matchup. 

Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported Brees was leaving NBC after one season. Brees reportedly preferred working as an analyst for games, whereas NBC saw him as part of their Football Night in America crew. 

It's possible Brees will come into his own as a broadcaster over time, but he lacked the same gravitas that made him interesting during his playing days.