There was a reason that Brees wanted exemptions from the FA tag. He knew that the financial ramifications of the newly negotiated collective bargaining agreement would put downward pressure on "superstars'" contracts. As such he would be in a difficult situation relative to his impending negotiations.

Obviously, it is a fine line between paying market price (or what might be market price in a completely free market) for a player and fielding a championship competitive team.

There's so many things that can go wrong (see NO@SF this year) in one game that can derail a championship team that subjugating potential salary for a possible run would not be in the best interest of the player. One can't hold Brees responsible for things outside his control (except for underthrowing a WIDE open Meachem resulting in an INT during that same game)

I'm not saying Brees doesn't deserve what he's asking for. But there are legitimate competing interests. In order to meet his salary from a financial perspective, the Saints must remain a relevant team. Profitability, in the form of merchandising sales, gate sales, concessions, and parking, will directly correlate to team success.

It would be catastrophic to have a slide like that of the Rams, Colts or Vikings, up for a long time, down for a decade.