With less than 24 hours until the exclusive negotiating window closes, the Saints and Drew Brees still haven’t come to an agreement on a new deal, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (via Twitter). If a contract isn’t agreed to by noon eastern time tomorrow, rival teams can make their pitch to the veteran quarterback.
Brees contract officially voids on Wednesday, although the 39-year-old will be allowed to negotiate with teams starting on Monday. If the Saints don’t come to an agreement with Brees before the start of free agency on Wednesday, they’ll have to tolerate $18MM in dead money against their cap. For what it’s worth, we heard in January that the veteran wasn’t planning on testing the market.
The 11-time Pro Bowler had another standout campaign in 2017, completing a career-high 72-percent of his passes for 4,334 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Let’s take a look at some other notes from around the NFL…
- Veteran tight end Ben Watson is contemplating retirement, reports CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora (via Twitter). However, the 37-year-old would be willing to continue his playing career if “the opportunity presents itself.” After missing the entire 2016 season due to a torn Achilles, Watson bounced back in 2017 with the Ravens, hauling in 61 catches for 522 yards and four touchdowns. After being selected in the first round of the 2004 draft, Watson has also played for the Patriots, Browns, and Saints.
- Former NFL agent (and current CBS Sports writer) Joel Corry continues to explore the ideal contracts for some of the NFL’s top free agents and extension candidates. Corry believes Le’Veon Bell should pursue a five-year, $71.25MM deal with $19MM in guaranteed money. Corry also focuses on wideouts Jarvis Landry, who he believes should look for a five-year, $75MM deal ($48MM guaranteed), and Allen Robinson (one-year, $10MM, $9MM guaranteed). Tight end Jimmy Graham (four years, $34MM), offensive guard Andrew Norwell (five years, $65MM), and offensive tackle Nate Solder (five year, $72.5MM) were also included in Corry’s analysis.
- Corry also took a look at the top free agents/extension candidates on defense. The largest suggested contract goes to defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, as Corry suggests a five-year, $97.5MM deal (with $60MM guaranteed). The former agent also analyzed defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (four years, $66MM), defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (five years, $81.25MM), cornerback Trumaine Johnson (five years, $77.5MM), cornerback Kyle Fuller (five years, $67.5MM), and safety Lamarcus Joyner (five years, $57.5MM).
Landry is a nice player, but $15MM/year is too much. Closer to $12MM is more likely imo. Especially compared to what Bell would be getting under this scenario.. even if they don’t play the same position, game impact should be taken into consideration
Imagine Brees throwing to Larry Fitzgerald
I wouldn’t give Jarvis anything over 10 mill. He caught well over 100 passes and couldn’t get 1000 yards what are you paying top dollar for if he isn’t producing like the guys getting paid top money
He finished 13 yards short of 1000 yards this year and had over 1100 yards each of the previous two seasons…let’s not act like he’s a bum. Also, look at the receivers he’s primarily playing with, Kenny Stills and Devante Parker. Both of them are primarily deep ball threats. So you don’t need three guys running go routes every play and if Parker and Stills are drawing the safeties off the top, Landry is going to feast over the middle.
Brees = New Orleans. They’ll figure it out. He’s made 195M so far… don’t feel sorry for him.