March Madness, NFL-style: Patriots make free-agency splash. Drew Brees retires. Plus, updated mock draft!

On Sunday, Drew Brees did what had been expected for months ... he announced his retirement from the NFL.

The 42-year-old Brees leaves the NFL as the only quarterback - so far - to throw for more than 80,000 yards in a career. He's also second on the NFL's all-time passing touchdowns list. Not too shabby for a quarterback deemed too short when he was in the 2001 NFL draft.

Brees leaves behind an impressive list of on-field accomplishments and big shoes to fill in the Saints' starting lineup come this fall.

• Drew Brees joins NBC Sports as analyst
• Drew Brees' most impressive NFL feats
• What do the Saints do now at QB1?

• PHOTOS: Each NFL's team's all-time career passing yardage leader

NFL free agency kicks off

• Monday's free-agency roundup: The NFL's free-agency period doesn't officially begin until Wednesday, but reports of moves came fast and furious on Monday.
• Patriots spending big in 2021: New England responded to its first losing season in two decades by throwing money at free agents on Monday.
• Top 21 free agents: Nate Davis ranks the top 21 free agents available in 2021. 
• Free-agency tracker: Updates on all the moves as players get cut, sign or re-sign with teams.
• Greatest free-agency signings ever: These new signings turned out to be a boon for both player and team.

• PHOTOS: Top free-agent signings of all time

2021 NFL draft: Mocks and rankings and more

• Latest mock draft: The suspense in this year's draft will start at the Jets' No. 2 overall pick. In this updated mock, they trade out of the spot so an NFC South team can get its quarterback of the future.
• The no-RB mock draft: How about a first round that doesn't include any running backs? Here's how that would play out.  
• Trey Lance pro day workout: The North Dakota quarterback - and projected first-round pick - had his pro day Friday. Take a look at his best throws, and why his best NFL comparison might be Steve McNair.
• Prospect rankings by position: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G/C | EDGE | DL | LB | CB | S

• PHOTOS: Latest first-round draft projection

NFL Facebook group: Join now!

Football season is here! And, if you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders.