Drew Brees reiterated after Sunday's playoff loss that he expects to return to the New Orleans Saints.

Brees, 39, will be an unrestricted free agent and has a clause in his contract that forbids the Saints from using the franchise tag on him.

"I mean, I'm more toward the end of my career than the beginning, I know that," Brees said of the disappointment following the loss in regards to his future. "That's all I divulge [about how long I plan on playing]. But the season ends, and this one will sting, but I think you look back at the things we accomplished and some of the memories that were made and the relationships that were built and the way this team came together. It really leaves me excited for the future of Saints football."