Can anyone guess ways to continue to be successful with Brees?

I think the dream scenario for 99.9% of us was Brees winning and riding off into the sunset. I don’t think there’s anyone on this board that envisioned Brees starting Week 1 of 2021 being ideal. I actually think had he won the Super Bowl there’d be less fan desire for him to come back, which is never good. Basically if someone didn’t want him back as a champion but do want him back after a disappointing performance, it likely means they are glory chasing and not making decisions based on performance.

I guess I'm trying to get in the head of Loomis and Payton on just why they haven't (ostensibly) closed that door for him yet.

It could well be as someone stated above that all parties involved indeed HAVE made the decision but don't want to play their hand before free agency, the draft, and June 1.