Hall of Famer Drew Brees Reveals How Saints Swayed Him From Dolphins

Brees explains how Sean Payton's vision and the Saints' commitment convinced him to choose New Orleans over Nick Saban's Dolphins in 2006.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees reflected on the decision that led him away from the Miami Dolphins and legendary coach Nick Saban in 2006. Brees ultimately chose to sign with the Saints, where he went on to have a Hall of Fame career, win a Super Bowl, and become the face of the franchise. Brees explained that while the Dolphins seemed like the obvious choice on paper, the Saints' all-in approach and Sean Payton's vision for the offense convinced him to join the team in New Orleans.

Why it matters

Brees's decision to join the Saints over the Dolphins was a pivotal moment in NFL history. His Hall of Fame career in New Orleans not only transformed the franchise, but also had a profound impact on the city itself, helping the community recover in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This story provides insight into the factors that influenced Brees's decision-making process and the lasting legacy he built in New Orleans.

The details

Brees said that on paper, the Dolphins seemed like the obvious choice, as they were coming off a 9-7 season and had the legendary Nick Saban as their head coach. However, the Saints' approach ultimately swayed him. Despite New Orleans still being in the midst of recovery from Hurricane Katrina, the Saints treated Brees as their top priority, with Sean Payton and the organization committing to building the offense around him. In contrast, the Dolphins were skeptical about Brees's ability to return from shoulder surgery, with their doctors telling Saban that Brees had only a 25% chance of playing again.

  • In 2006, Brees was a free agent after playing for the San Diego Chargers.
  • The Saints and Dolphins were the two main suitors for Brees's services.

The players

Drew Brees

A Hall of Fame quarterback who played for the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to 2020, leading the team to a Super Bowl victory and becoming one of the most accomplished passers in NFL history.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to 2021, who was instrumental in convincing Brees to join the team and building an offense around the quarterback.

Nick Saban

The legendary head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2006, who was also pursuing Brees to join his team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“On paper, that was an obvious decision. It was Miami all the way. Miami had Nick Saban; they had just come off a 9-7 [season] where they had won the last seven in a row. So they kind of had it figured out. … And on the flip side, you've got New Orleans,”

— Drew Brees, Hall of Fame quarterback (New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce)

“I'm sitting there eating dinner on Wayne Huizenga's yacht. The Miami trip was amazing, with the exception of – they put me through the ringer with the testing.”

— Drew Brees, Hall of Fame quarterback (The List - Dolphins Podcast)

“And the Miami trip was amazing, with the exception of [putting] me through the wringer of six hours of medical testing. I was only like eight weeks post-op on an eight-month rehab. So I was nowhere close. I was still in a sling, and I can't do anything. … I got this feeling of doubt. Their doctors were the ones who told Saban, 'We think he's got a 25% chance of ever coming back and playing again.'”

— Drew Brees, Hall of Fame quarterback (The List - Dolphins Podcast)

“And I go to New Orleans, and it's like, 'You are our guy.' Sean Payton, Mickey Loomis, you are our guy, we're going to build this offense around you. They did everything they could to roll out the red carpet despite the circumstances.”

— Drew Brees, Hall of Fame quarterback (New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce)

What’s next

Brees's decision to join the Saints over the Dolphins has had a lasting impact on both franchises. The Saints went on to win a Super Bowl with Brees as their quarterback, while the Dolphins continued to search for a long-term solution at the position. Brees's Hall of Fame career and impact on the city of New Orleans will be celebrated for years to come.

The takeaway

Brees's decision to join the Saints over the Dolphins highlights the importance of an organization's commitment and vision in attracting top talent. While the Dolphins seemed like the obvious choice on paper, the Saints' all-in approach and Sean Payton's belief in Brees's abilities ultimately swayed the quarterback to choose New Orleans, a decision that transformed both the franchise and the city.