New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees wants to sign long term deal, unhappy with tag - NFL News
New Orleans Saints and quarterback, Drew Brees, failed to negotiate a new contract before the March 5 franchise tag deadline leaving the franchise no option but to use the tag on their best player to keep him from testing free agency.
Brees though is not too pleased with receiving the tag and still wants to reach a new deal with New Orleans as he wants to end his career in the Big Easy.
The quarterback spoke on an ESPN radio show on Wednesday and recounted the last time he received a franchise tag during his stint with the San Diego Chargers.
"I've played under the franchise tag before, back in 2005, and that ended with 13 anchors in my right shoulder and a 25 percent chance of playing football again,"
Adding further he said that he does not want to undergo a similar situation with New Orleans and agreeing a long term contract with the Saints is the first thing on his mind.
"That didn't work out too well for me. I've talked to the Saints about this many times. They definitely know my desire to have a long-term deal. We will continue discussions and hopefully get a long-term deal done."
The quarterback put all contract negotiations on hold during the 2011-12 season as he wanted to concentrate fully on the Saints run in the playoffs.
However, in the offseason both sides were reportedly miles apart on a new deal and even though New Orleans did offer Brees a huge contract with a salary on par with those earned by Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning and New England Patriots quarterback,
Tom Brady, Brees rejected the offer.
The Saints had no choice other than tag Brees for the upcoming season and move the deadline to sign a new deal till April to stop their best player from reaching free agent status.
"I'd say that this is a very critical period here over the next short while until we start April 16th," Brees said.
The quarterback has been an important part in the Saints rise to become an elite franchise.
Since joining New Orleans in 2006, the 33-year-old has broken many records and led the Saints to their one and only Super Bowl title in 2009.
This year too Brees was phenomenal as he led the Saints to a 13-3 regular season record and into the playoffs. The quarterback also broke Dan Marino’s single season passing yards record which had held for three decades.
Hopefully both parties can negotiate a new deal so that Brees can get his wish to end his National Football League (NFL) career in a city where he has achieved legendary status.
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