Drew Brees Reveals He Almost Joined Dolphins in 2006

Hall of Fame QB says Miami was the "obvious decision" over New Orleans Saints

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In a recent podcast appearance, legendary NFL quarterback Drew Brees admitted that he came very close to signing with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 2006, rather than joining the New Orleans Saints. Brees said that on paper, the Dolphins were the "obvious decision" at the time, with a strong finish to the 2005 season and an accomplished head coach in Nick Saban. However, Brees ultimately chose to sign a six-year, $60 million deal with the Saints, helping the team win their first Super Bowl in 2009.

Why it matters

This revelation provides an intriguing "what-if" scenario for NFL fans, as Brees going to the Dolphins could have significantly altered the trajectory of both franchises over the past two decades. The Dolphins have not won a playoff game since 2000, while Brees went on to become a Hall of Famer with the Saints. This story highlights how small decisions can have major impacts on the fortunes of professional sports teams.

The details

In 2006, Brees was a highly sought-after free agent after spending five seasons with the San Diego Chargers. The Dolphins, led by head coach Nick Saban, were coming off a strong finish to the 2005 season and appeared primed for success in 2006. Meanwhile, the Saints were fresh off a dismal 3-win campaign and were still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Brees said that "on paper" the Dolphins were the "obvious decision" over the Saints. However, Brees ultimately chose to sign with the Saints, helping the team win their first Super Bowl championship in 2009.

  • In early 2006, Brees agreed to a six-year, $60 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.
  • The Saints won their first Super Bowl championship in the 2009 season with Brees as their quarterback.

The players

Drew Brees

A Hall of Fame NFL quarterback who spent the majority of his 20-year career with the New Orleans Saints, leading them to a Super Bowl championship in 2009.

Nick Saban

The head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2006, who was an accomplished college and NFL coach at the time.

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What they’re saying

“On paper that was an obvious decision it was Miami all the way”

— Drew Brees, NFL Quarterback (New Heights)

What’s next

This revelation about Brees' free agency decision in 2006 is likely to continue generating discussion among NFL fans about how the league's landscape could have been different if he had chosen to sign with the Dolphins instead of the Saints.

The takeaway

Drew Brees' admission that he almost joined the Miami Dolphins in 2006 as a free agent serves as a reminder of how small decisions can have major impacts on professional sports franchises. While the Saints went on to win a Super Bowl with Brees, the Dolphins have not won a playoff game since 2000, making this a fascinating "what-if" scenario for NFL history.