Drew Brees Reportedly Set to Skip Training Camp Without Long-Term Deal
July 10th, 2012
New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees is reportedly going to get a long-term contract to his liking, or he will not be joining his teammates for training camp. ESPN’s Chris Mortenson reported this information, which he gleaned from “league and team sources.”
This certainly cranks up the pressure on getting this deal done in a hurry.
The Saints had previously placed the franchise tag on Brees, which the star signal caller was never happy about. He has been seeking a long-term deal since the beginning of the offseason.
While there has been reported progress with contract talks, there is a league instituted deadline on Monday at 4 p.m. ET for teams to reach a long-term deal with players slapped with the franchise tag. If a deal is not reached, the tag goes into effect.
While this recent news comes off as an ominous sign as to the chances of the two parties reaching a deal, there are also plenty of reasons to think a deal will get done—19.25 million reasons a year, to be exact.
That is what Mortenson is reporting would be the annual salary of the deal the Saints have on the table for Brees. Mortenson says that Brees is countering with an offer of $20.5 million per season.
At the point, the difference is really splitting hairs, at least from by NFL standards.
Mike Triplett of the Times-Picayune reported similar numbers of the offer, and he added that “the Saints have already offered Brees the richest contract in league history.”
With numbers like this being discussed, it is difficult to see Brees not inking a deal before the deadline.
If he doesn’t, his standing as a fan favorite will take a huge hit. Brees isn’t going to find much sympathy if he decides to skip training camp after rejecting more money than any pro football player has ever been offered.
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