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.