Saints Players Claim Team Finally Nearing Contract Agreement with Drew Brees

New Orleans Saints players sound optimistic about a deal finally being struck between quarterback Drew Brees and the team's front office. 

Brees was hit with the franchise tag in March, but refused to sign the tender in hopes of inking a multi-year contract. 

ProFootballTalk received quotes distributed by the Saints and crafted a column featuring the statements of offensive lineman Jahri Evans, who spoke on that status of Brees' contract dispute: 

"I think this is the first time we’ve actually had practices without Drew here, but we all understand the nature of this business and believe it’s going to get done soon.”

Evans went on to say he "knows nothing happens overnight" and that "It’s just the nature of the business."

This is promising news for the New Orleans fans and most importantly the Saints organization after enduring a catastrophic offseason stemming from the infamous bounty program that led to player and coaching staff suspensions.

There's no doubting that Brees will be prepared to take the field when a deal is finally agreed upon, and his presence alone will be uplifting to the team and community alike. 

Evans stated the significance of the team's leader being back in the huddle: 

"We know that when’s he’s here, we all are going to be ready to go.” 

The record-shattering signal-caller doesn't need OTAs to fine tune his game, but it's never too early to reestablish timing with his pass-catchers and work out miniscule kinks from the previous season with offensive linemen and coaches. 

If Evans is indeed onto something, and a long-term deal for Brees is imminent, the Saints will at last have something to be genuinely excited about as they look to move past the bounty scandal and gear up for the 2012 season which ends with a Super Bowl in their stadium. 

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