It's that time of year again, when NFL players cast their votes to identify the best in the league heading into the 2021 NFL season.

Can do-everything running back Alvin Kamara keep the Saints on track in a post-Drew Brees world? Jim Trotter checks in on an underrated offensive star's exceptional career trajectory. 

Changes abound in Dan Hanzus' latest update to the membership list of the NFL Superstar Club. Josh Allen was among the eight players gaining entry; who joined Ben Roethlisberger on the outside looking in?

Retired star Drew Brees took in a Chargers practice Wednesday as part of his new analyst role with NBC. Brees noted afterward that it was just the third time he's encountered Justin Herbert. That was enough for him to draw at least one striking conclusion about the 23-year-old QB. 

Drew Brees is officially retired. The future Hall of Famer's March 14 announcement went into effect Friday, per the league's transaction wire. 

What will the Saints look like without Drew Brees? How will Sean Payton navigate the 2021 season without his gridiron soulmate? Adam Rank explores the state of the franchise, highlighting the most significant players, games and question marks.

Can Sean Payton's Saints and Ben Roethlisberger's Steelers stay atop the NFC South and AFC North, respectively? Gil Brandt ranks the eight defending division champions by vulnerability.

Justin Fields was the fourth quarterback selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, but could the Chicago Bears' hopeful savior actually end up being the best of the bunch? Jeffri Chadiha explains how disrespect fuels dominance at the game's most important position.

Although he played in 12 games last season, former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees revealed that he only felt healthy in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions. 

Though it's clear the franchise will be altered immensely with future Hall of Famer Drew Brees hanging up his cleats, Saints head coach Sean Payton -- speaking to reporters Tuesday at TPC Louisiana -- painted a picture of things remaining the same.

How will the Panthers fare with Sam Darnold under center? What will the post-Drew Brees era look like in New Orleans? Michael Baca provides the biggest offseason addition, most impactful loss and top draft priority for each NFC South team.

Trevor Lawrence chose to wear No. 16 at Clemson because of aspirations to become the next Peyton Manning, but scouts agree that Andrew Luck -- the last generational quarterback to enter the draft -- is a more accurate comparison

Sean Payton knew Drew Brees' retirement was coming. Mentally preparing to move on from a Hall of Famer doesn't make life any easier in the aftermath. Payton said the new reality wouldn't fully set in until the Saints hit the field.

As Jameis Winston prepares for a second season with the Saints, and an open QB battle with Taysom Hill, the former Bucs starter is trying to transform his style of play. The first player in NFL history to throw 30 TDs and 30 INTs in the same season wants to be a game manager. 

Which feuds will make their mark on the NFL next season? Adam Rank provides the 11 best rivalries in 2021, ranging from Browns vs. Steelers to Tom Brady vs. Bill Belichick.

For the first time in nearly 20 years, a quarterback competition will be brewing this summer in New Orleans, and retired Saints QB Drew Brees expects a good one between Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston.

Gil Brandt knows Drew Brees well -- and, on the occasion of Brees' retirement, Brandt remembers a phone call he made during a pivotal point in Brees' history.

The next chapter of Drew Brees' career kicks off in earnest as the recently retired future Hall of Famer will remain in the football realm. Brees announced on TODAY on Monday morning that he is joining NBC Sports as a studio analyst for Football Night in America.  

All Drew Brees ever wanted was a chance. Jim Trotter recalls a memorable encounter with the quarterback in 2004, back when the Chargers had just drafted his replacement and Brees' athletic mortality appeared to be staring at him in the face.

Drew Brees' 20-year career in the NFL has come to an end. In honor of Brees' retirement announcement, Adam Rank presents the 20 best moments of the future Hall of Fame quarterback's decorated tenure.

Drew Brees announced his expected retirement Sunday afternoon. After 20 seasons, the Saints legend left an indelible mark on not only New Orleans but the entire league. Naturally, many in the NFL community and beyond responded to the news with appreciation for the future Hall of Fame QB.

Judy Battista discusses the illustrious career of quarterback Drew Brees and how he went from being one of the league's greatest free-agent signings to helping rebuild a city and creating a Hall of Fame career with the New Orleans Saints in a rare second act.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, whose 80,358 yards passing stand as the most in the history of the NFL, is retiring after 20 seasons. Following a lengthy wait following the end of the Saints' season, Brees announced his retirement Sunday via social media. 

NFL.com editors evaluated every quarterback who started a game (including the playoffs) during the 2020 NFL season to create a complete ranking from 1 to 59. Did winning Super Bowl LV give Tom Brady enough juice to knock MVP Aaron Rodgers from the top spot?

The blockbuster trade involving Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff appears to just be the beginning of a crazy quarterback carousel with myriad teams looking for new signal-callers. 

Retired New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees joins Peyton and Eli Manning during Week 7 of "Monday Night Football."

Next Gen Stats and AWS are going beyond the traditional box score when it comes to evaluating the passing game. Completion Probability leverages player-tracking data and machine-learning to answer the question: what are the chances a pass will be completed based on the many unique factors of the play?

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston emotionally reflects on 2020 season backing up former quarterback Drew Brees.

Relive the greatest moments from quarterback Drew Brees' 20-year career.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on retirement after 20 seasons shares 'I gave it my absolute best'.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis compares quarterback Drew Brees' impact to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James'.

Watch the 50 greatest plays from quarterback Drew Brees' legendary career.

NFL Network's Jim Trotter details the legacy of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

How James Palmer captured the incredible moment of Tom Brady playing with Drew Brees' kids and Brees walking off the field in New Orleans for the final time.

NFL Network's Brian Baldinger, Steve Smith Sr. and Brian Billick discuss QB Drew Brees' legacy following his retirement announcement.

The "Good Morning Football" crew discusses Drew Brees' legacy after 20 NFL seasons.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' kids announce dad's retirement through social media.

NFL Network's Jane Slater shares the New Orleans Saints have been preparing for quarterback Drew Brees' retirement.

NFL Network's Rich Eisen reflects on Drew Brees' NFL career.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' former teammate Lance Moore recalls first impression of Brees following his retirement announcement.

NFL Network's Michael Silver discusses New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' legacy in NFL history as he announces his retirement.

NFL Network's Kurt Warner breaks down how New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke the mold for quarterbacks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady reacts to New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' retirement.

The NFL community reacts to New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' retirement.

NFL Network's Michael Robinson gauges New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston's value following Drew Brees' retirement.

NFL Network's Jim Trotter and Steve Wyche reflect on the defining moments of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career.

NFL Network's Rich Eisen pens essay honoring New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees' historic career.

NFL Network's Mike Robinson shares "I'm not sure if we'll ever see another QB like New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees."

The New Orleans Saints thank quarterback Drew Brees on Twitter following the announcement of his retirement.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees announces his retirement from the NFL after 20 seasons in the league.