In this August 11, 2016, file photo, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees passes during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass.
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There aren’t any indications what the total value of said deal might be, but Brees is said to be looking for north of $85 million guaranteed on a five-year deal.
At 37 years old, it’s more than likely that Brees’ best years are already behind him and signing him to another big money deal could further hamstring New Orleans salary cap situation.
The NFL announced that the deal is a five-year deal that voids at two years and has a no-trade clause. We do know that it reportedly reduces his cap number this season from $30 million to $17 million this season, providing Loomis with more cap room than he’s had in quite some time.
The Saints’ prolific QB again led the league in passing last season, and he has asserted that, with the help of modern training techniques, he could play at an elite level for at least five more seasons.
Brees joined the Saints in 2006 and won a Super Bowl in 2009.
“Both sides are very happy and certainly I’m very happy”, said Brees. He has amassed 48,555 yards and 348 touchdowns during his time in New Orleans.
The Saints start the season off with a home game versus the Oakland Raiders, which is a good match up for the Saints considering the Raiders defense was ranked 22nd in the league a year ago. This allows me to be around here for a little bit longer. “You want toughness, character, guys that love football and that love to compete and I feel like we have those elements, and now it’s got to all come together”.
Brees’ belief in his ability to stay competitive as he plays into his late 30’s has remained steadfast.
He kept repeating that he planned to finish his career with New Orleans even when his contract talks stalled.
Re-upping with Brees signals a desire to get back into playoff contention quickly, rather than going into a full rebuilding mode.
Brees is now fourth in all-time passing yards with 60,903 yards and third in passing touchdowns with 428. He missed a game last season at Carolina because of a shoulder injury.
Brees expressed many times during the process that once the season started, he would not continue contract negotiations.
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The Saints have waived quarterback Garrett Grayson, the third quarterback taken in the 2015 NFL Draft, on Wednesday.
