It’s impossible to predict how the Saints will do in ’12-13
July 25, 2012
$100 million can buy WHAT?
July 25, 2012
Sitting comfortably inside a Jimmy John’s (which he owns), New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees signed a few autographs for fans last Sunday.
A jersey here, a baseball cap there – Brees signed as many items for the Black and Gold diehards as he could.
The last John Hancock of the day was the most important for New Orleans, however.
When the autograph session was over, Brees officially signed his contract extension with the team – a five year, $100 million deal that will make the quarterback the highest-paid player in the NFL.
Clad in a T-shirt with #NOLALOVE across the front, the beloved Saint posted a picture on his official Twitter of the contract signing, which will likely keep the star quarterback in New Orleans for the rest of his career.
“I couldn’t be happier or more excited,” Brees said on WWL Radio after signing. “It’s obviously a pretty surreal moment once you finally get to this point. I am excited to get things started and get back with all the guys in the locker room. I know the Who Dat Nation is ready for that as well.”
Brees’ deal allows the Louisiana sporting world to exhale a collective sigh of relief.
The Saints’ quarterback posted arguably the best statistical season in NFL history in 2011-12 – the final season of his original six-year, $60 million deal with the team.
Brees completed 468-of-657 passes with 46 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and 5,476 yards last season.
His completion percentage, total yards and total completions were all NFL records for a single season. Brees also set the record for the most 250-yard, 300-yard and 350-yard passing games in one season.
After trying unsuccessfully to reach a long-term deal in the early stages of the offseason, the Saints banned Brees from testing the open market by labeling him with the franchise tag.
That distinction meant Brees had three options. He had to either play under the tag’s mandatory one-year contract, agree to a long-term deal or hold out until a deal was reached.
The final option caused near-panic in New Orleans, as the Saints came within 72 hours of their deadline to sign Brees to an extension.
But calmer heads prevailed and the quarterback agreed to his new deal on the Friday afternoon before last Monday’s deadline.
Brees said he wanted to thank fans for their patience while the process played itself out.
“It’s hard for people to identify or grasp what’s happening (in negotiations),” Brees said. “I think it’s very easy to sit back and say, ‘This is ridiculous.’ The fact is I think the desired result was reached.”
When one looks into the terms of the contract, an argument can be made that the deal is friendly to both parties.
A total of $60 million (an NFL record) of Brees’ $100 million deal will be guaranteed.
A lump sum of $40 million will be paid to Brees in year one of the five-year agreement.
After the first season, the Saints’ obligations to the quarterback will be much lighter, which will likely allow the team room to sign free agents and also keep current players with expiring contracts.
A brief look at the team’s roster show players like Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles as being a few guys in line for a raise in the near future.
Brees said he blushes about being called the highest paid player in the game.
“My face is turning red right now because when you talk about the type of contracts that are involved in our league … we have all played the game of football since we were kids because we love the game of football,” Brees said. “To sit down and think about the opportunity that we all have to do this, it’s truly a blessing. I take it as a huge responsibility as I know all the guys on our team do.”
With his contract in the rearview mirror, Brees said he has one focus – work.
The quarterback said that he will report to training camp in top shape, ready to try and win his second Super Bowl.
“Now it’s time to get to work,” Brees said. “That’s all we wanted to do this entire offseason. This season cannot start fast enough. Everything that we have been through, putting the contract aside, and we are all ready to get back on the field.”
He added that he will not let the team’s offseason distractions serve as an excuse, adding that he fully believes the team is capable of succeeding in the face of adversity.
“I can’t wait to get back on the field with my guys and the Who Dat Nation and start the journey,” Brees said. “It starts now. We can’t get on the field fast enough. We have so much to accomplish. We just have to take it one day at a time. Focus on the process and it will take care of itself.
“There are going to be ups and downs but hang with us Who Dat Nation and we will make you proud.”
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees stares into the distance as the crowd in the Superdome readies itself for a regular season game last season. Brees will likely be a Saint for life after signing a $100 million extension this offseason.
