Drew Brees considered an NFL comeback with the Denver Broncos for the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots after rookie quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle in an overtime playoff win over the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 17. Brees, who had turned 47 two days earlier, discussed the possibility with Denver offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael, his former coaches with the New Orleans Saints. He agreed to work out first but experienced wrist discomfort and declined the opportunity.

Brees hinted at the situation on the "New Heights" podcast in February, saying he "had some conversations" and thought there "might be a chance where I could play that week," but acknowledged he was "not there" physically. The Hall of Fame quarterback retired in March 2021. Broncos head coach Sean Payton, Brees' longtime coach in New Orleans, was not initially informed of the discussions by his assistants. Payton later expressed being "fascinated and flabbergasted" upon learning of the plot. Had Brees returned, sources indicate he would have competed with Jarrett Stidham for the starting role. Denver ultimately lost 10-7 to the Patriots with Stidham struggling in snowy conditions.