METAIRIE, La. (AP) — A semblance of normalcy has returned to the New Orleans Saints, who started practicing Thursday with recently re-signed star quarterback Drew Brees back on the field.
Brees even decided his first practice following a months-long contract holdout was as good a time as any to throw deep.
For Brees, who recently inked a five-year, $100 million contract, the practice also marked his first chance to work against a scheme installed by new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Brees, who connected on some long passes in a non-contact session, says he expects a stiff test from Saints defenders as they adjust to their new scheme.
Meanwhile, assistant head coach Joe Vitt and several Saints players say Brees appears to be in excellent shape and very sharp, despite missing offseason practices.
