TheOak

I hear a lot of "Drews contract hurts the team" comments. He put him self before the team Drew understands NFl contracts and knows it will not impact the team...

I keep saying it doesn't and I am not sure everyone "gets it" about NFL Contracts. Hopefully after reading this some will.

I think what is missing from all of these conversations is that Drew Brees will NEVER get the original $100mm contract.... EVER. That contract of Drews will be restructured many, many times if he preforms to expectations. If he doesn't preform there is an out for every season. The ability and use of restructuring is the reason it does not effect the rest of the team or getting players. Just as Mannings contract was restructured many times for cap reasons and getting new players.

Payton manning signed a 5 year 90mm contract.
Manning restructures contract to save Colts cap room - NFL - ESPN

Patriots Line Backer Ted Johnson: 5 year contract, restructured 6 times
N.F.L. - ROUNDUP - 2 Top Picks Unavailable For Giants - NYTimes.com

Texans Andre Johnson: Restructured for Schaub
Texans Backing Themselves Into a Corner - Toro Times - A Houston Texans Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Deuce McAllister:
New Orleans Pro Football: 03/01/2008 - 04/01/2008

Tom Brady:
Times Union - Albany NY

Huge NFL contracts are ballooned, then back loaded to make them huge but allow for restructuring later.

This is why I keep saying Drew Brees contract has little impact on other players. If the Saints FO finds someone they need and want and its a cap issue, Drew will be restructured. Its common practice in the NFL.

People clammered around here about not being able to get Drew the contract he wanted because the "math didn't work". Guess what, it happened and freed up cap space at the same time.. Restructuring makes math moot.

His original 100MM contract is only worth what he made the first year... If we need cap space to being in talent, look for Drew to restructure his contract... Honestly If I had to have any player on the team sitting on restructuring value for the team, it would be Drew. I know when the team needs it he will agree to free it up.

TheOak

As far as for the locker rooms feelings about contracts: I have heard multiple NFL players for other teams state when asked about hold outs and contracts: "we understand its their business, we don't care, and we don't give them any flack or grief".

Jamessr

This is turning into a personal crusade for you.

TheOak

Better than following someone around on the internet just to comment OT behind their posts.

Jamessr

You're correct Mr.Pot

TheOak

We have members that panic a good bit due to being misinformed by the medias over dramatizing issues.

I did the same for Payton going to Dallas.

Informing and not just propagating rhetoric is why B&G stands out above other Saints forums.

Saint_LB

I don't have any links, but I know I read somewhere that when Drew was asked about restructuring his reply was something like, "Not likely." I admit I am stating hearsay and if wrong I apologize.

Rugby Saint II

Come on James. It's alright to have your own thoughts here at the BNG.
Besides it was very informative. Shallom Ya'll!

Shoe.

The article you're talking about was on whodatdish, written by gene higganbotham. I googled "drew brees contract restructure" and found it immediatly and it basically says what you're saying- drew isn't taking one for the team this year, he wants his check

TheOak

Drew will say that...

Who wouldn't openly say " I am not taking any paycut" if he knows his boss will read it... When it comes down to is however most people would do what it takes to save their job.

There has been a lot of paraphrasing...
Drews Quote: During his weekly press conference last week, Brees said he wasn't even sure he'd be amenable to a contract restructure. “"Those decisions are made every offseason," Brees said. "In most cases, and I'd say this goes on around the league, every team at times loses somebody that they would love to keep and for cap reasons or whatever, they're not able to. I feel like we've done a great job of retaining a lot of guys, more than most teams, I would imagine."”

New Orleans Saints believe they will be able to handle cap issues | NOLA.com

Is already being discussed
http://blackandgold.com/saints/54340...-unlikely.html