AP Photo/Derick Hingle
The New Orleans Saints made overtures to two recently retired legends as a potential option if Ian Book starts at quarterback on Monday.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune's Jeff Duncan reported that the Saints reached out to Drew and Philip to sign an emergency contract for their game against the Miami Dolphins.
The Saints announced on Thursday that they have placed nine players on the NFL's reserve list.
According to Mike Triplett, Bortles signed with New Orleans to give the team a backup option.
The team's overtures to Brees and Rivers should not be seen as an indictment of Book, but rather because he has never taken a snap in an official game, and Miami features one of the most aggressive, high-pressure defenses in the league.
In August, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times reported that Rivers told him that he was going to stay ready in case an opportunity to play came up.
"I want to make sure I'm very clear: I'm not predicting I'll play in December or January, for that matter," Rivers said. "You have to have someone who wants you, and you have to be right about it."
After Jameis Winston tore his knee in the first game of the season, the idea of returning to the Saints was shot down by Drew.
During NBC's coverage of the Dallas Cowboys-Minnesota Vikings game on Oct. 31, Drew said he would be there to call the Notre Dame-Navy game.
The book hasn't appeared in a game for the Saints. He was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL draft.
The New Orleans is 7-7 going into Week 16. It is tied with the Vikings and Eagles for the final playoff spot in the conference, but both teams have a better record than the Saints.
