Drew Brees Speaks Out on Sproles Trade, Other Releases, Graham

quote:

---

“I think a Darren Sproles only comes around once in your lifetime, in my career and in everybody’s career,” Brees said in Orlando at the NFL Players Association player rep meetings, via Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo. “There may be another one 15, 20 years from now. But there’s not many guys like Darren Sproles. He’s a special player, he’s a special person, he’s a special teammate.”

---

quote:

---

“It’s tough, because a lot of those guys (who’ve been let go) I’ve played with for eight years,” Brees said to Garafalo. “Eight years. Which is rare. I’d say that’s very rare in this day and age, to have that amount of time with a group of guys. You become very connected during that time, so it’s always hard when you get to this point.”

---

quote:

---

Nonetheless, Brees believes Graham will be back with the Saints. Eventually.

"Since I've been through it just two short years ago, you just know it's part of the process. You can't take any of that personal," said Brees, who came to an agreement with the Saints in July 2012 after the team tagged him five months earlier. "Listen, I know Jimmy will be ready to play, whether that means he's coming in tomorrow, April 21 or Aug. 21, I know Jimmy Graham will be ready to play and he'll be a big part of our offense and a big part of our team for a long time. I'm very confident that will work out."

---