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New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis returned to work after his eight-game suspension Tuesday with another black cloud hanging over his desk. But he echoed Sean Payton's "absolute" confidence that the team and coach will reach a contract agreement to keep Payton in New Orleans beyond this season.

"I absolutely expect Sean to be our coach next year and going forward. These contract issues will be resolved," Loomis said, declining to discuss any further specific details.

Sources familiar with the negotiations have indicated that the two sides are waiting to resume contract talks until they receive specific written permission from the league to do so. Although a league source told The Times-Picayune on Sunday that Payton and the Saints are allowed to negotiate a contract extension during Payton's suspension, the two sides don't want to push the envelope unless the NFL makes it absolutely clear they're allowed to do so.

Although the news just broke Sunday that Payton's recent contract extension was rejected by the NFL, making him a potential free agent at the end of the season, it wasn't news to those involved. Payton and Loomis have known about the issue since the league first rejected Payton's contract extension months ago.

Read more: New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis remains confident Sean Payton contract will be resolved - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

QBREES9

Get a deal done and keep him a SAINT.

Rugby Saint II

I was furious when I heard about this.......now I'm just dull to it.