That's fair, I understand and have no problem with Brees getting paid what he's worth or based on his performance, but as I've browsed the board the past 3-4 months, I've seen he's been offered a couple pretty impressive contracts that would have made him the highest paid player in the NFL at the time? And now there's the whole franchise-tag-thing to contend with ... I just can't figure out what he's waiting on, unless they're waiting to see how much salary cap will be freed up due to player suspensions/penalties so they can offer Drew more. ?

Maybe I'm naive and can't relate to the problems of the-rich-and-famous-athlete types, but how much more then $18mil-or-so a year do you need before you have the well-deserved security & respect you feel should be afforded you? It's been beat to death, I know, I'm just transitioning over to the, "like Drew as a player and want to see him sign with NO, but this has been dragging out too long and not so much supporting his contract fight anymore" side.

While I can't see Brees playing for anyone other then New Orleans, I'm starting to think the only thing that will keep Drew from retiring a Saint is Drew, or Tom Condon, whoever is running that show, and a viable option for Brees (at 33) is to sign a three year contract, retire a Saint at age 36 and field offers from the networks, all of which would be glad to have him on their broadcast teams ... now that's a plan for security & respect, IMO.

Slo...

Its not a question of "need", obviously Drews "ends are meeting". Besides the great post by SFIAH, I am sure there is some "lime light" that the Saints/Drew/Condon want in the form of Highest paid player. Drews contract does not just effect Drew, Condon, Saints. It will effect each and every other QB that gets hits with a franchise tag also....

There is a business game behind the football game. The higher Drews contract is, the farther north the franchise tag goes... would be a good chess move to make another QB for another team unaffordable because the FT went up .

I am not entirely sure the debate at this point is value, I think it is loading...

Yeah, "it's just good business" and I can see the 'fighting the franchise tag' angle ... I'll be glad when it's over and it can be confirmed what the holdup was ... it's not even my QB and it's stressing me out, .