Why Saints' Bounty Punishment Could Send Drew Brees to Free Agency

As if the New Orleans Saints situation in regards to trying to agree with quarterback Drew Brees could get any worse, an unrelated issue about playing incentives doesn't help.

According to a story on NFL.com, the Saints had a bounty program that began in 2009:

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After a lengthy investigation conducted by the NFL's security department, the league announced Friday that 22 to 27 defensive players on the New Orleans Saints maintained a "pay for performance" program that included "bounty" payments administered by then-defensive coordinator Gregg Williams during the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons.

The program runs in violation of league rules, and the investigation showed that Saints players received $1,500 for a “knockout” hit and $1,000 for a “cart-off” hit with payouts doubling or tripling during the team's three playoff appearances.

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Now, regardless of whether you're a fan of defense or are in favor of how much safer the "powers that be" are trying to make the game, this is an interesting twist.

Obviously we have to expect the Saints to be punished for this and if that comes in the form of losing quarterback Drew Brees, well, an outrage will also likely occur.

After all, it wouldn't be that surprising considering how harsh commissioner Roger Goodell has been on any penalties, or what have you, relating to defense. This isn't so much (at least to me) about punishing tough, defensive football, as it is seeing players getting paid even more dough on top of their salaries.

Lest we forget about signing bonuses as well.

For the sake of keeping pro football and its historic and violent roots somewhat alive, New Orleans should not be punished for bringing the pain or laying the wood. It's the extra money for the incentives that violated the league rules.

And if we're wondering why some franchises are projected to have a tougher salary cap issue than others, perhaps this type of incentive is partially to blame. Now, would it be fair if the punishment involved quarterback Drew Brees?

No, because Brees' situation has nothing to do with the defense, but the anticipation of that being part of New Orleans' punishment is certainly looming in the air.

Now include all the teams that are desperate for a franchise quarterback and are also projected to be in a good salary cap situation. You can bet those clubs will be chomping at the bit in the hopes of acquiring Brees.

John Rozum on Twitter.