I'm a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan... so I just went through a terrible offseason watching an icon leave town. I think the club offered him a fair contract, but what I learned is that no matter how much of a sentimental feeling we have as fans, these guys are in it to maximize their earning potential. Can I really blame them? I guess not. My question has always been: when you have $100 million, does the $3 extra million really matter? I can't fairly say because I've never been in that position, but I have learned that apparently it does. These guys want the money they feel they "deserve". While, as a fan, I wish that every superstar would be willing to take less to help the good of the team, that's completely unrealistic and more of the exception than the rule. They see this as their one shot to cash in big before they get out, can't completely blame them I suppose.

The Saints can't and won't pay him what he wants. That's clear and I don't blame them. I also don't blame Drew for wanting as much as possible. This is his last big deal. He can sign the franchise tender and play or sit out the season and see what his value is at 34 a year away from playing as far as Im concerned. I'm a Saints fan. If Brees doesn't want to be in New Orleans, so be it. Thanks for the title. Best wishes. I'll pull for whomever lines up under center.

They see you coming. :p

One of the reasons that I don't fault Brees is that the Saints took advantage of his relatively low cap number for years and knew this day was coming. In the uncapped year prior to the lockout, the Saints could have approached him and offered him a contract with greater aav that would have been easier on the cap in the coming years. Brees signed a below value contract because of his health concerns and more than played up to that contract. Drew knows this is his chance to cash in.

They did offer him a contract during the capless year. One that would have made him the highest paid player in the NFL.

Brees was paid top 5 QB money in 2006 by the Saints with 10 million guaranteed, and 12 million guaranteed the following year.

What a load of crap.........this is getting stupid!!

Understand the difference between NEWS and OPINION. If it does not come from DREW's or CONDON's mouth.... it is opinion.

I try and not listen to any of these so called sportswriters they don't know squat. I also do not Blame Brees if he holds out even though it is hard for me to see the business side of the game as a fan. I have worked for people who low ball anyway they can if they have the leverage they will use it. When the pendullum swings your way you have to take the advantage. These players risk injuries that can be lifechangers and take years off their lifespan just from playing the game. All the millions the owners have came off the backs of the players much as the way it is in the private sector.

I don't know what is worse...

A)Someone making 10 million dollars/year, or

B)Someone calling 10 million dollars/year a lowball salary.