Drew Brees Angered by Ongoing Contract Talks, Won't Attend OTAs with Saints

If the New Orleans Saints situation could get any worse, it just did as Drew Brees is electing to skip the team's offseason workout program. 

The Times-Picayune's Mike Triplett reports Brees is planning to be a no-show on Monday as the team kicks off offseason workouts, and it stems from his ongoing contract dispute. 

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Drew Brees is not planning to come to New Orleans on Monday for the start of the team's offseason conditioning program. Although Owner Tom Benson said Friday that Brees is due in town next week, the unsigned quarterback is not planning to attend without a contract, according to a source close to Brees.

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Both the team and player continue to work behind the scenes on a long-term contract extension for the star quarterback who has done no less than win a Super Bowl for the franchise and continue his brilliant work since. 

Last season, Brees once again put up gaudy numbers as he passed for 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns. That would make him a no-brainer as a player the franchise must keep happy headed into what is already a tumultuous offseason. 

Per the report, Brees will more than likely elect not to take part in conditioning that starts on Monday, but could still make it out for OTA's (Organized Team Activities) that start in mid-May. 

OTA's are far more crucial as the team comes together and actually gets on the field work in. 

Brees took exception to being franchise tagged and wants a longer deal with far more security, which is hardly asking much for an elite quarterback that has been nothing short of remarkable in the last few years. 

Brees is the consummate professional, and a source close to the QB stated the following, via NOLA.com. 

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It is very upsetting to him not being there Monday. He wants to be there for his teammates.

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After a couple months where the franchise was hit hard by bounty program sanctions, having their leader with the team is paramount. 

This team has been rattled and needs a poised leader and trusting face for the franchise now more than ever. 

Brees hardly wants to go out on the field with the lack of assurances that comes with a franchise tag, suffering an injury under a similar situation in San Diego. 

Asking for assurance is not much, especially when you are Drew Brees. 

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