Drew Brees and the Saints decided to put any long-term contract talks on hold until after the 2011 season, but that doesn't mean a new deal for Brees isn't still kicking it as the large, pink elephant in the corner of the room. On Sunday, CBS Sports Charley Casserly reported that the two sides are still working on a deal, but if they can't reach one before free agency begins, the Saints will place the franchise tag on Brees, and that Brees will probably not report if/when that happens. "He's a free agent at the end of this year and both sides would like to get a long-term deal done," Casserly reported on The NFL Today. "The Saints told me if one is not done by the start of free agency, they'll franchise him. I estimate that number will be between $14-15 million. The target for Brees? The Peyton Manning contract -- $18 million a year, but more importantly, $23.4 million over the first three years. If a long-term deal is not done, I would not be surprised if Brees does not show up for offseason and even training camp." Source: CBS Sports
What are the terms of the contract he's on? If it's a modest contract compared to his play, I wouldn't have any issue with him looking for top QB money. If he's already being paid top-5, then I'd say he needs to do what he can to get into training camp. Got to get that life-altering wealth when the opportunity arises.
