A few NFL teams are in must-win mode right now. Of course, the Denver Broncos, which reached the Super Bowl last year, are a main focus with Peyton Manning getting older.
You have to add the New England Patriots to the list since Tom Brady isn't getting any younger, either. In fact, several teams are in that boat, as the 2004 quarterback class including Eli Manning (New York Giants), Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers) are in their early 30s and closing in on the twilight of their careers.
Another team you have to add to the list is the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Drew Brees turned 35 this January, and the window for a second Super Bowl is going to start closing.
Brees doesn't look like he has lost anything, yet, but the Saints have a choice to make with this draft and drafts over the next few years. Do they go all-in on another Super Bowl, or do they balance wins now with an eye on the future?
Saints fans have to believe that New Orleans can get at least five more years out of Brees. At that point, he'll be 40 and chances are, he'll be at the end of a Hall of Fame career.
New Orleans has the 27th pick of this year's draft on May 8-10. The Saints have a few holes to address, including a pass rusher and upgrades to the offensive line.
A game-breaking receiver wouldn't hurt, either, and no NFL team can have too many cornerbacks. New Orleans could also use a couple of young three-down linebackers, as well.
The question is, do the Saints stay at 27 this year, or move up to get a player? If they do move up, how far can they go, and who can they get?
One interesting thing: What if Johnny Manziel dropped in the draft?
How great would it be for Manziel, a short quarterback with Brett Favre playmaking ability, to learn under Brees, the greatest short quarterback in NFL history? If Manziel was on the board after 15 picks, could New Orleans move up to take him? Would the Saints want to?
Out of all the quarterbacks in this draft, Manziel is the one, in my eyes, who could be a superstar just off playmaking ability. Manziel has the arm and feet to be the next version of Brees or Seattle Sea-hawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
Every Saints fan wants Brees to play forever, but he will have to hang up the cleats one day. Do you draft the quarterback-in-waiting (especially with the new cap-friendly first-round deals), do you try to hit a win-now home run, or do you stay put and take the best player available at the 27th pick?
Win now or keep an eye on the future, that is the question.
More like this story
More stories by this author
Support our reporting -- Follow the MFP.
