New Orleans Saints fans can finally relax, as quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to a five-year deal worth $44.25 million. That’s an incredible deal, right? Well, it’s not. The deal has some odd stipulations.
Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports Brees’ new extension is a five-year deal, but will be automatically voided after two seasons. Brees will earn $20 million in 2016 and $24.25 million in 2017 – all of which is guaranteed.
The contract appears to be legally circumventing the cap, as Brees will be paid the amount over five seasons. It allows the Saints to save serious cap space. New Orleans won’t be allowed to trade Brees or place a franchise tag on him under the life of the contract.
Locking up Brees is a no-brainer. The 37-year-old has posted fantastic numbers throughout his career, including to 40+ touchdown seasons in 2011 and 2012. In 2015, his production barely dipped, as Brees threw 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Saints have a dismal team, but one thing that’s gone consistently right for the franchise is the performance of Brees over the past ten seasons.
New Orleans should be thrilled with the deal, as Brees’ initial asking price was $100 million spread over four seasons. The Saints will pay less than half of that for two seasons and have cap flexibility by spreading the contract. The deal will stack up with any potential future Brees extension, but for now, it’s probably the best case scenario for the franchise.
[ESPN]
