Drew Brees was able to laugh off the offseason trade rumors involving his name because he said he knew there was nothing to them. But Brees can't rule out the idea that the New Orleans Saints might consider selecting a quarterback early in this year's NFL draft with an eye toward the future.

Brees was asked that what-if question on Dan Patrick's radio show Thursday. The ultracompetitive 36-year-old quarterback paused for a few moments while measuring his answer.

Drew Brees says it's the Saints' call if they decide to draft a quarterback, and if they do, he'll be ready to compete to keep his job. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

"Um, that's their prerogative," Brees said. "At the end of the day, you're trying to acquire talent and you're thinking long term. That doesn't change my mindset or my preparation or my approach one bit.

"You know, I've been in those situations before [when the San Diego Chargers drafted Philip Rivers in 2004, Brees' third season as the team's starting QB]. If the idea is to prepare for the future, then great. If the idea is to bring somebody in to compete with me, then that's fine, too. At the end of the day, I don't control that. And I think competition brings out the best in everybody.

"No one's gonna push me harder than I'm gonna push myself. So for that reason, I don't concern myself with any of that."

Saints coach Sean Payton previously shot down the notion that New Orleans might consider trading up for QB Marcus Mariota: "Won't happen," Payton said bluntly during the NFL owners meetings last month.

The Saints, however, held a private workout with Baylor QB Bryce Petty, a league source said, confirming an earlier report by Bleacher Report.

However, the Saints have two first-round draft picks and five picks among the top 78 this year, so many options are on the table.