The New Orleans Saints failed to work out a contract extension with Drew Brees prior to Monday, which means the quarterback’s agent is now free to negotiate with and field offers from other teams. Not surprisingly, Brees is already generating interest.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the Vikings put a call in to Brees’ agent, Tom Condon. Pelissero’s colleague Ian Rapoport said other teams have done the same.
Just said on @nflnetwork: The #Vikings have made a call on Drew Brees, per league source. Their plan going into the day was to engage agents for all their QB options. Well, Brees is technically available. No stone unturned.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2018
.@TomPelissero says the #Vikings have reached out to Tom Condon on Drew Brees. I can add, so have the other QB-needy teams. #intrigue
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2018
Brees has said all along that he has no plans to leave New Orleans, and coaches and ownership have made it seem like he will be back. However, most expected a deal to be in place before the 39-year-old had an opportunity to talk with other teams.
It would ultimate still be a major upset if Brees leaves the Saints, but there’s always a chance negotiations could sour. If New Orleans can’t come to an agreement with Brees by Wednesday, $18 million in dead money would count toward the team’s salary cap for 2018. In other words, they need to work out a deal and fast. With other teams able to make offers, that could certainly complicate the situation.
The Vikings, of course, are believed to be the favorite to sign Kirk Cousins.
