Brees announces he'll return for 2020 season

Drew Brees ended speculation about his playing future Tuesday, announcing his intention to return for the 2020 season and his 20th campaign.

The longtime New Orleans Saints starter is set to be an unrestricted free agent but is widely expected to re-sign with the NFC South club, and again reaffirmed his commitment to New Orleans in his Instagram post.

"I look forward to the grind and the journey, for the reward at the end will be worth it!!!!. Love you #WhoDatNation. Let's make another run at it!" wrote Brees.

The Saints have made it clear Brees is their starter for as long as he wants to play.

The future Hall of Famer completed 74.3% of his passes for 2,979 yards and 27 touchdowns against four interceptions through 11 games in 2019. He missed five contests due to a thumb injury suffered in Week 2.

Teddy Bridgewater filled in for Brees during that absence, leading New Orleans to five wins while throwing nine touchdowns to two interceptions.

The backup is also an unrestricted free agent. Bridgewater could end up being too expensive for the Saints to retain in addition to Brees, as the former Minnesota Vikings starter is expected to have a strong market, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

The future of Taysom Hill, the third quarterback on New Orleans' roster in 2019, is also unclear. Hill is a restricted free agent, so the Saints have the option of bringing back the gadget player with a one-year tender or a new contract, though another team could swoop in.

Hill has said he wants a chance at being a starting quarterback, which Saints head coach Sean Payton expects to happen "sooner than later."

In his 15 seasons in New Orleans, Brees has built his case as one of the greatest-ever quarterbacks. He owns five of the 12 5,000-yard seasons in NFL history and became the league's all-time touchdown passes leader in 2019. Brees won his lone Super Bowl in the 2009 season.