Drew Brees has already announced that not only will he play in 2020, but he won’t suit up for any team other than the Saints. Additionally, while Brees could certainly push for a hefty contract (even without interest from competing teams), he’s not expected to demand “top dollar” from New Orleans, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Now 41 years old, Brees earned $25MM annually under the terms of his most recent two-year deal with the Saints. Per Rapoport, Brees is expected to target that same level of salary on his new pact, despite the fact that he could almost surely command $30MM+ from New Orleans.
As of late February, Brees hadn’t discussed a fresh deal with the Saints, but he had been expected to re-sign before the start of the new league year. That would be beneficial to New Orleans, who used void years — which could be tacked on the Saints’ salary cap as dead money — on Brees’ latest pact.
However, that timeline could get complicated. Brees won’t sign a new deal until a new CBA has been ratified, which could come as early as Saturday. Free agency had been set to open next Wednesday, but that may be postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Regardless, Brees is fully expected back in New Orleans for the 2020 campaign. And by accepting less money than he’s worth on the open market, Brees could help the perpetually cap-strapped Saints add more talent around him.
2/3 year deal with options.
Oh if I could reach into the belly of a yak and rip out its heart!!
He should ask for shares in the team. He has cash, might as well diversify.
2 years 40 mil fully guaranteed…
Well now we can all sleep better at night knowing that a player with about $245M in career earnings isn’t seeking “top dollar”.