What happened: The scenario under discussion was a direct appeal from Drew Brees or Sean Payton to Mickey Loomis for a release of Brees' rights. Nick Underhill added that New Orleans still held those rights and that the trade deadline had already passed.

Why it matters: That makes the issue a rights-and-timing question, not simply whether Brees wanted to play or felt able to do it. It also puts the Saints front office at the center of any late-season comeback path involving one of the franchise's most prominent figures.

What to watch: Watch for any direct comment from Loomis or the Saints on whether those rights would ever be released. Until then, the discussion remains theoretical.