If you put something in quotes that implies that the referenced person actually stated those words. What Brees was actually quoted as saying in that article was, "I don't know that it is something that will be done next week or before the end of the year or next year or when." Add to that the fact that according to the writer, Brees also said the talks were "amicable and ongoing" supports my supposition that both sides are in agreement and it is simply the timing that remains. The "when" of the deal will most likely be as soon as Loomis knows exactly what cap relief is needed in relation to further free agency and the draft. Nowhere in that article did Brees, or the writer, imply that there was any "if" involved. You added that detail yourself.