I won't disagree that you can't change the way a person thinks, in the sense that you can't change that person by yourself. But it is absolutely true that you can influence a person to introspect and ultimately come to a realization that change is necessary. Whether they ever admit it, out loud, is irrelevant.

Everyone has to make the choice to change, so we agree in that regard. But it helps to get a nudge in the right direction from a person you respect. I'm not sure anyone on the Saints coaching staff is that type of mentor, but maybe Brees is. If we can take what Winston says seriously, he has already been steered in the right direction. But, as others have stated, it remains to be seen if his public statements translate to reality.

At any rate, he's just the backup right now, and I don't know who was going to be any better in that role who was available. So if he shows no signs of maturity, on or off the field, over the next year, then he walks. So I don't see this as a big risk. But there is at least potential for a substantial reward.