NFL Free-Agent Rumors: Saints GM Complete Fool to Hesitate Signing Drew Brees

Drew Brees is not only the most important player in New Orleans, but one of the most important players in the NFL.

How and why Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has yet to sign the franchise quarterback is one of the more puzzling events in some time and, according to Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole, it may actually take Saints owner Tom Benson's power to get it done.

Cole writes:

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Saints general manager Mickey Loomis tried to define Brees as “very good” when the quarterback was called “great,” according to three league sources...It also spoke to the fact that Saints owner Tom Benson is likely going to have to step in to solve the situation...As one league insider said: “Benson knows where this team was 15 years ago and he sees where it is now. He has to make the call. Mickey is not going to do it.”

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It took Loomis and the Saints a ridiculously long time to jump in with both feet to sign Brees a few years ago, mostly for injury concerns, but there is no reason for them to hesitate now.

Aside from the fact that Brees has been one of, if not the, best quarterbacks in the league since 2006, there is the difference he's made to the Saints franchise and the city of New Orleans.

The insider Cole cites in his report hits the nail on the head. Prior to Brees' arrival, the Saints had won only one playoff game in their entire history. In his run under center, they've been to the postseason four times, won a Super Bowl and become a legitimate contender each and every year.

Although it could have been any quarterback in New Orleans during the tragic hurricane, it was Brees. He not only helped the Saints get through it, but he helped the city get through one of the most trying times in history.

They won't soon forget that, even if Loomis has, and when we talk about the NFL being a business, this is one of those business decisions that can't be made for just the sake of the franchise alone.

The Saints won't get another quarterback remotely comparable to Brees and they know that. He isn't going anywhere; they'll franchise tag him Monday at the latest. But Loomis' failure to pull the trigger on a long-term deal is inexcusable at this late hour.

Soon enough, Benson will have to step in exercise his authority.

If Drew Brees isn't the New Orleans Saints, then nobody is. Loomis' inability to see that, or even admit that, is beyond comprehension.

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