NFL Rumors: Saints, Bears Were Among Teams Interested in Signing Tom Brady

Had Saints quarterback Drew Brees retired this past offseason, the franchise's backup plan was to sign Tom Brady, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington. Per ESPN, Brady was also interested in going to the Saints.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, New Orleans' interest in Brady ended when Brees elected to return for the 2020 season. In addition to agreeing to a two-extension this offseason, Brees also agreed to join NBC Sports to serve a prominent role in their broadcasts once he retires from football.

The Chicago Bears were another team interested in Brady, according to NFL Network. Chicago reportedly made the six-time Super Bowl winner an offer, but Brady didn't like the idea of playing in the cold again. Chicago traded for veteran QB Nick Foles this offseason, but recently named former No. 2 overall pick Mitch Trubisky its starter for Week 1.

According to ESPN, the Dolphins also expressed interest in Brady and made a late run at him, though, talks never progressed.

The two finalists in Brady's sweepstakes reportedly were the Chargers and the Buccaneers, the franchise with which he eventually signed.

Brady, 43, is set to play for an NFL team other than the Patriots for the first time Sunday when Tampa Bay travels to New Orleans to play the Saints. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.

Check out the latest news and notes from around the NFL: 

• New Orleans LB Demario Davis signed a three-year, $27 million extension with $18.35 million guaranteed. (Erin Andrews, FOX)
• The Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott were close to agreeing on a five-year extension this past July before a deal fell through. (Jason La Canfora, CBS Sports)
• All players and coaches passed their COVID-19 tests on Saturday morning, which puts them in a position to participate in Week 1. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• The Patriots have promoted kicker Nick Folk to their active roster for Sunday's game vs. the Dolphins. (Patriots)
• Despite major air quality concern issues, the 49ers-Cardinals game in the Bay Area is still on schedule to take place. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
• Cardinals star CB Patrick Peterson is set to play out the final year on his five-year, $70.05 million contract. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been placed on injury reserve and will miss at least three games. (Field Yates, ESPN)
• Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans has a good chance to play Sunday vs. the Saints despite being listed as questionable. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
• Clemson junior and starting QB Trevor Lawrence, the potential top pick in the 2021 NFL draft, said Saturday that he planned on this year being his last with the Tigers. (Tom Rinaldi, ESPN)