Drew Brees has confidence in Trevor Siemian as a starter

The New Orleans Saints acquired Trevor Siemian from the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad last December. This happened shortly after New Orleans placed Drew Brees on injured reserve with 11 rib fractures. Ironically, Brees’ injuries, including a collapsed lung, happened against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fast forward less than a year later, and Siemian is the Saints’ Week 9 starting quarterback.

Taysom Hill stepped in for Brees and started four games during the 2020 NFL season. Siemian was added into the mix simply to provide quarterback depth. During the offseason, he was signed to a reserves/future deal. At the end of the preseason, Siemian was released, yet re-signed a few days later.

All of that is to say that Siemian leading New Orleans’ offense and taking snaps under center isn’t something that was necessarily expected. If Hill would’ve not been in concussion protocol for the past two weeks, he would’ve been the one to fill Winston’s shoes. However, It was Siemian’s time to shine. He completed 16 of 29 passes and threw for 159 yards and a touchdown.

Siemian was a sixth-round pick in the 2015 draft and has played in games for the Broncos, Jets and now the Saints. Siemian was the backup quarterback in Minnesota during the 2018 season, but didn’t play, and spent the first half of the 2020 season on Tennessee’s practice squad. He’s had his fair share of travel over the past seven years, but after his performance last Sunday, he has the opportunity to make a name for himself in Louisiana.

Brees got to spend time with Siemian last season and after watching him lead New Orleans to a win on Sunday, the future Hall of Famer praised his performance.

Drew Brees is confident in New Orleans Saints QB Trevor Siemian

During the Sunday Night Football broadcast for the Cowboys-Vikings game, Brees was asked about the chances of him suiting up again for the Saints. Instead of exploring that possibility, he decided to comment on Siemian’s role in New Orleans’ 36-27 victory over Tampa Bay.

"“I think he’s going to do well,” Brees said. “That’s exactly why he brought him in last year when I got hurt. He’s a cerebral guy who can pick up the system quickly. He can execute it. The bottom line is he has two really good running backs and a great defense. He’ll play within the system and I think Sean Payton has a lot of confidence in him.”"

Siemian seemed to be calm, cool and collected last Sunday. If for some reason his confidence is wavering, all he has to do is look back on that quote from Brees. After all, Siemian hasn’t started a game since his 2019 stint in New York, when he suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Cleveland.

The backup quarterback is in a good spot, though. The Saints are back at the Superdome and are taking on a struggling 3-4 Atlanta team. Sean Payton can win with just about anyone at quarterback. Not to mention, New Orleans has one of the best defenses in the league.

It may feel like there’s a lot of weight on Siemian’s shoulders right now, but that’s normal. Sunday’s game is an opportunity that doesn’t always come around for backup quarterbacks. With both his team and Brees confident in his abilities, he’ll be just fine.

Hill was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, but who knows, maybe New Orleans won’t need him after all. As of right now, the Saints are Siemian’s team.

With Brees in his corner and a chance to get to start at quarterback for a 5-2 team, the world is Siemian’s oyster.