The Dude

Brees was an elite quarterback when he was behind arguably the best interior offensive line in history. Since then he has just been above average. Let him play out his contract and move on.

Players like Breese are not "greedy" because they want to be paid what they are worth. Would you take a pay cut to stay at your job? Why should these guys be held to a different standard? It is a business, a job, and their livelihood. They take risks being out there every down.

Players have bills and budgets based on their salary just like we do. Its highly likely that they can go from having income to having no income at all in a days notice. They take risks just like the rest of us. People think that just because someone is rich that they don't have to worry about money. Its simply not the case.

jeanpierre

Yeah, Drew, show the team you're a team player and get your contract number down...

vtiger72

Brees has positioned himself for the perfect negotiating position going into next season. While I doubt he cripples the Saints, he will have the upper hand in negotiations.

Here is how Brees's contract looks like for next year.

If left on his current deal, Brees would count 27.4 million on the cap. 7.4 of that will be there no matter- it's the remaining proration from his signing bonus.

The remaining 20 million (19.75 in salary and 250k workout bonus) is not guaranteed. The Saints could cut Brees and only have 7.4 million in dead money, but that would leave them without a QB. So unless Brees suffers a debilitating injury or massively flops and declines this year, that won't happen.

So, what likely happens. Brees will use this leverage not to break the bank, but to get a deal longer than the Saints would probably normally want to give. Brees will get at least a 3 year extension so that when combined with 2016 added it will look like a four year deal.

My guess it looks like this: 4 yr/88 deal- 42 million guaranteed. His 2016 salary will be converted to signing bonus with a a base salary around 2million.

2016 salary 2 million + 5 million prorated signing bonus + 7.4 million from previous deal= 14.5 cap hit (creates around 13.5 million in space for 2016)

2017 salary 20 million (guaranteed) + 5 million prorated signing bonus = 25 million hit.

2018 salary 22 million (not guaranteed) + 5 million prorated signing bonus= 27 million hit (Brees could be cut with 10 million dead money for 17 million in space if needed.)

2019 salary 24 million (not guaranteed) 5 million prorated signing bonus= 29 million hit. (Could be cut with 5 million in dead money for 24 million in savings)

This is a very friendly deal for the Saints. The last two years, Brees could be let go, but if he's productive he is well paid. It is a good deal for an aging player but provides the team some protection.

If Brees plays hardball, he will get more guaranteed in those last years which puts more risk on the team.

hagan714

god only knows i am surprised it has not happened already and it does tarnish Drew in my eyes a bit

unless

he is cashing in big time now and will do the team a cap friendly deal next year at extension time.

Or

If the saints tank could they trade him to a play off caliber team that needs a QB in their opinion to reach the promise land. Pocket a bunch of draft picks and start building for the future?

Right now i have no idea what drew and/or the saints have in mind.

halloween 65

I would see how he plays this season. I am not in favor of extending any qb. at his age to a 2-4 year extention or contract. I would take the picks and run. I like Brees and do thank him for doing everthing he has done but age and phyisical abilities will show sooner than later,I just hope it's not this season.

Halo

CLICKBAIT!!!!

AsylumGuido

I would have been shocked if a restructure/extension was done before next off-season. It would make no sense. These type of extensions seldom, if ever, get done with more than one year remaining on the contract. Conversely, I would be shocked if an extension deal is NOT made with Brees during the next off-season. It simply makes no sense for it not to happen. I have heard that Brees and his agent are very open to this kind of deal. It remains in Loomis' lap to pull the trigger when the time is right, and that will not be until next year.

Edit: Oh, and why the hell build for the future when you have the talent to win it all this year ... and the next ... and the next?

The Dude

Why shouldnt he cash in? I dont get why everyone thinks these people should payed below market value. Brees gets what the market bared at the time. Why should he take a pay cut? If he wants to then fine but dont be mad at him or any other player if they hold the team to the contract. The team has all the leverage anyway. They can cut ties with him at any time. He cant just quit and go play for another team. I doubt any of you would take a pay cut just for the good of the business you are in.

halloween 65

Best case scenerio would be 2 more Superbowls and he sails away in the Hall of Fame. Everyone would be happy campers!!