New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees have come full circle six years later

papz · 03-02-2012, 08:25 AM

March 2006. It was six years ago that Tom Benson, Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton decided to hand the football to Drew Brees.

A "golden football," they called it.

Six years, $60 million.

We know now it was the biggest, and wisest, decision in the history of the Saints.

It was also a gamble.

For 2006, the 27-year-old quarterback would get an $8 million signing bonus and a $2 million salary.

For 2007, if the Saints decide to retain his services, Brees would receive a $12 million bonus and a salary of $3 million.

The Saints were telling a quarterback coming off major surgery in his throwing shoulder, "stay healthy, and we guarantee you $25 million for your first two seasons."

The Saints were after a quarterback who had taken the San Diego Chargers to a 12-4 record in 2004 when he threw for 27 touchdowns, and followed that with a decent 2005 before suffering the injury in the final game of the season.

The 2006 Saints found themselves trying to recruit a quarterback high on the list of the Miami Dolphins, where Nick Saban was head coach, at a time Brees seemed to be leaning in that direction.

The Saints were not playing a strong hand. Payton was a rookie head coach, the Saints were coming off a 3-13 season, and Hurricane Katrina had left somewhat of a chaotic mark.

Full article.
New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees have come full circle six years later - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

03-02-2012, 08:25 AM	#1
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,768	New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees have come full circle six years later March 2006. It was six years ago that Tom Benson, Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton decided to hand the football to Drew Brees. A "golden football," they called it. Six years, $60 million. We know now it was the biggest, and wisest, decision in the history of the Saints. It was also a gamble. For 2006, the 27-year-old quarterback would get an $8 million signing bonus and a $2 million salary. For 2007, if the Saints decide to retain his services, Brees would receive a $12 million bonus and a salary of $3 million. The Saints were telling a quarterback coming off major surgery in his throwing shoulder, "stay healthy, and we guarantee you $25 million for your first two seasons." The Saints were after a quarterback who had taken the San Diego Chargers to a 12-4 record in 2004 when he threw for 27 touchdowns, and followed that with a decent 2005 before suffering the injury in the final game of the season. The 2006 Saints found themselves trying to recruit a quarterback high on the list of the Miami Dolphins, where Nick Saban was head coach, at a time Brees seemed to be leaning in that direction. The Saints were not playing a strong hand. Payton was a rookie head coach, the Saints were coming off a 3-13 season, and Hurricane Katrina had left somewhat of a chaotic mark. Full article. New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees have come full circle six years later - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com Attached Thumbnails
	Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege. All little common sense goes a long way.

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