Srgt. Hulka

The game of chicken between Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints continues to take on increasingly serious overtones.

With less than a week left for the record-setting quarterback and his team to replace his one-year franchise tag with a muti-year contract, Brees is pondering a training camp holdout, per ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Report: Drew Brees may skip Saints training camp


Drew Brees won't sign franchise tender, won't show up for training camp if long-term deal isn't reached with New Orleans Saints: ESPN report

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported, via sources, that New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees won't sign the franchise tag tender and has no plans to show up for training camp if a long-term contract isn't reached by the July 16 deadline. According to ESPN, Brees is still seeking a five-year deal worth $20.5 million per year, while the Saints' last offer was for $19.25 million per year.

This threat shouldn't come as much of a surprise. It has always loomed over these contract negotiations as the doomsday scenario. And it is Brees' best leverage as he tries to get the Saints to increase their contract offer. As of 3 p.m. central time on Monday, Brees and the Saints can no longer sign a long-term deal until after the season. They can only sign a one-year deal.

Drew Brees won't sign franchise tender, won't show up for training camp if long-term deal isn't reached with New Orleans Saints: ESPN report - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

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