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No NFL negotiation in recent years has been more perplexing than the ongoing talks between the Saints and Drew Brees. I expected Brees to sign soon after Tom Brady's 2010 contract, then soon after Peyton Manning's 2011 contract and then soon after Peyton Manning's 2012 contract. Yet the sides are still trying to find common ground.

Negotiations are about leverage and options. As for leverage, Brees is the most important player on the team and perhaps the most important person in his division. However, because of the franchise tag, his options are limited. The tag gives the Saints a tool -- strengthened by the collective bargaining agreement -- to artificially reduce the market value of their unsigned best player.

NFL - Why doesn't Drew Brees have a new deal? - ESPN

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