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As organized team activities began on Monday, the New Orleans Saints were still searching for a capable quarterback to back up Super Bowl XLIV MVP Drew Brees.

The Saints still have some time since training camp doesn't begin until late July and the first preseason game won't be played until Aug. 12, but veteran Mark Brunell remains an unrestricted agent for the time being.

That leaves coach Sean Payton with just second-year pro Chase Daniel and seventh-round draft pick Sean Canfield as the only quarterbacks to share the repetitions with Brees when OTAs begin. The two youngsters could also be forced to take on more work in a full-squad minicamp set for June 4-6.

If Brunell doesn't re-sign with the Saints soon, Payton, who for the past two years has been trying to develop a young quarterback, will likely get a good idea if either Daniel or Canfield has what it takes.

Daniel split the 2009 season between the Saints' practice squad and the active roster. He was the third-stringer for seven games and the backup for one when Brees was held out of the regular-season finale, then was the No. 3 quarterback for three postseason games. Canfield was the Saints' seventh-round draft pick out of Oregon State, last month.

In the first four years that Brees has been with the Saints, there has been little need for a backup — at least in the regular season. He started all 63 games until being held out of the 2009 finale to ensure his health for the playoffs. Brunell started that game, but became a UFA in March.

Because they don't have an open spot to sign another unrestricted free agent right now, the Saints may have to wait until July 22 to sign Patrick Ramsey or Josh McCown, whom they worked out in mid-April, unless Brunell signs elsewhere.

Until then, Payton's search for the next Tony Romo, whom he brought along when he was with the Dallas Cowboys, might be limited to Daniel and Canfield.

"I think a lot of people would say that it's one of the tougher positions to evaluate because you've seen that position get more attention," Payton said earlier this month. "It's probably one of the more difficult positions to play, with everything that's asked of it.

Saints begin offseason training with backup QB questions | thenewsstar.com | The News Star

TheDeuce

If this is our biggest question mark, consider me a happy Saints fan.

D_it_up

Absolutely

CantonLegend

****......backup QB.....the best job in the world

you dont get hit.....you dont get hurt.....you have limited reps in practice.....all you do on gameday is hold a clipboard and make hand puppets for the players actually on the field

oh.....and did i mention you get paid millions of dollars

i'll be a backup QB if somebody needs it

saintfan

I've already got the #3 QB sewed up - I promised free hot dogs. Not sure what's happening at the 2 - you might promise free beer

MatthewT

I am not going to hit the panic button if the Saints cannot find a veteran, but would sure feel a little more comfortable. I am sure they can coach up the young guys to fill in if needed.

SaintPauly

I am comfortable going into the season with Daniels at number two, and Canfield at three. I think Brees is a product of Skynet. I'm not worried about him at all.

Saint_LB

Please...no. We don't need a "master of choke" QB...and we've already had one that smiles alot. Search for the next Drew Brees, please...(hey, that rhymes!)

Rugby Saint II

My guess is that Payton would be a lot more comfortable with an experienced veteran QB who could manage a couple of games if necessary. I know I certainly would be. But right now our hands are tied because of last years Superbowl victory. I'm just not ready to hand the reigns to last years practice squad guy.