Drew Brees and Saints Reportedly Over $10 Million Apart in Guaranteed Money

The New Orleans Saints and quarterback Drew Brees are more than $10 million apart in their current contract negotiations, according to a report from the Associated Press (via Rotoworld).

The disparity between the two focuses on the guaranteed money in Brees' long-term contract, which is believed to be a five-year deal worth roughly $100 million. Since the Saints used their franchise tag on Brees, the two sides only have until 4 p.m. ET on Monday to reach an agreement on a multi-year deal.

If the two sides cannot agree, Brees can either play this season under the franchise tag of about $16.3 million, hold out for a more lucrative one-year contract or hold out until the Saints guarantee that they will not designate him as the franchise player next season, which would allow him to enter free agency.

The 33-year-old Brees realizes this could be his last NFL contract, and after several years of being relatively underpaid, he wants to be rewarded for his services to the Saints.

Brees has been one of the league's top quarterbacks during his tenure in New Orleans. He has thrown for at least 4,388 yards and 26 touchdowns in all six of his seasons with the Saints.

Last year, Brees passed for 5,476 yards, which broke the single-season record previously held by Dan Marino. He also led the organization to its first Super Bowl victory in 2010.