Drew Brees: Saints Star Confident Deal Will Get Done

Although progress has been slow in contract discussions between Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, the superstar quarterback remains optimistic an agreement will be reached.

Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com passed along comments Brees made on Mike and Mike in the Morning in which he states negotiations are ongoing between the Saints and his agent Tom Condon with hopes of getting a deal done "sooner than later."

It's already been a nightmare offseason for the Saints, and there's still more than two months before the regular season begins. Between the bounty scandal and a contract dispute with the team's most popular player, the Saints haven't won many public-relations points over the past couple of months.

Locking up Brees is essential for the franchise. He's one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and it would be impossible to replace him if a deal isn't reached by the July 16 deadline and Brees opts to sit out until he gets the long-term deal he deserves.

The 33-year-old signal-caller is coming off the best season of his career. He racked up 5,500 yards and 46 touchdowns while completing more than 71 percent of his passes. All three of those numbers led the league.

He has perfected the Saints' quick-strike offense thanks to his unmatched accuracy, and you can't blame him for attempting to capitalize on that while he's still got some productive seasons left in his arm.

The entire situation leaves the Saints in a tough spot, though. They have to proceed with caution because it's tough to predict how well Brees' body will be holding up at the back end of an extended deal.

They can't afford to play without him, either.

Chase Daniel had a solid career at Missouri, but he's attempted just eight passes over two seasons and can't be counted on to lead the New Orleans offense to the same level of output.

The fact that Brees remains confident is a good sign, but Saints fans have reason to worry until he signs on the dotted line. Pounding out those final sticking points is often a lot more difficult than setting up the contract base, so there's clearly work left to get done.

Ultimately, Brees is a competitor at heart, and it's tough to imagine him abandoning the team he helped rebuild. The Saints can't afford to take any chances, however, so if it means upping the offer to put the tension behind them, it's well worth it.

The comments are a signal that things are heading in the right direction. Now both sides have to get back to the negotiating table and close the deal.

Saints fans have earned a chance to enjoy some good news.