Drew Brees is back with the Saints on a two-year, $50MM deal that is arguably under market for what he provides. However, a deeper look at his contract shows some additional value. There is language in Brees’ deal that prevents the team from using the franchise tag on him after the 2019 season, according to Nick Underhill of The Times-Picayune (on Twitter).
This is familiar territory for the two parties. Brees’ previous deal also prohibited the Saints from using the tag on him, which forced New Orleans to negotiate a fresh contract with him this offseason.
Brees will be 41 in 2020 and there’s no guarantee that he’ll still be an elite QB or even willing to continue playing, But, if he is still at the top of his game, the Saints will have a little less leverage to work with.
Here’s more from the NFC South:
- The Panthers have had discussions with cornerback Ladarius Gunter, according to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer (on Twitter). The Panthers did not tender Gunter as a restricted free agent earlier this month, but Bashaud Breeland‘s failed physical has them considering other options to fill out the secondary.
- Cornerback Patrick Robinson says three other teams were pursuing him when he agreed to deal with the Saints (Twitter link via Josh Katzenstein of The Times-Picayune). Robinson added that he did not want to leave the Eagles, but “it just made more sense for me to come [to New Orleans].“
- The Buccaneers would like to re-sign cornerback Robert McClain, but the Cardinals have interest in him.