New Orleans Saints Should Trade Drew Brees and Build for the Future

Sounds crazy, right?

Not really.

The reason Drew Brees hasn't signed his offer is due to greed. The team offered Brees more than $18.5 million per season and a $30 million signing bonus.

In other words, that's the second highest guaranteed contract in history over the first three years. It would also make him the highest paid quarterback in the NFL. Brees reportedly wants $23 million per year. 

Since the Saints quarterback did not sign the contract, they were unable to franchise Carl Nicks.

Does he care? It doesn't appear that way.

Being the highest paid quarterback in the league just wasn't enough. The Saints are now left trying to sign Marques Colston, Tracy Porter and Robert Meachem. Meanwhile, Nicks will surely leave for more money than the Saints can match. What's more, there is the possibility of losing future picks over "Bountygate."

Is Brees really the team player he appears to be? The Saints need tremendous help on defense. They pushed hard to sign Steve Spagnuolo, but Brees wants all the money they have left to get players for their defensive coordinator for himself.

I say trade him.

If the Indianapolis Colts just cut Peyton Manning, why can't the Saints trade Brees?

There's a good chance they'll lose whatever draft picks they get in return, but they will have a lot of room to sign any free agents they'd otherwise possibly lose.

They could push hard for Matt Flynn or maybe even Peyton Manning. However, that wouldn't really be building for the future.

I also say cut Jonathon Vilma and maybe let Colston go. After all, Randy Moss could be coming in.

There are a few younger options who are just as good as Colston in free agency. Not to mention, the Saints have the ability to find gems late in the draft.

So what if they have to become more run-oriented? They have four great running backs on their roster as it is. With Matt Flynn teaming up with Sean Payton, they should still make a strong push for the playoffs.