Drew Brees Rumors: Saints Want QB to Sign Contract Before Start of League Year

The New Orleans Saints are hoping Drew Brees signs a new contract with the franchise before the start of the new league year in order to avoid a dead cap charge from the contract restructuring he signed last offseason.

Mike Triplett of ESPN wrote "no reason" Brees and the Saints won't come to terms on a new deal by March 18. The Saints would be subject to a $21.3 million charge on their cap if the two sides cannot come to a new deal before the league year begins, similar to Tom Brady's situation in New England.

Unlike Brady, Brees is not planning to consider any suitors on the free-agent market. He announced his plan to return for the 2020 season last month and has consistently said he will either play for the Saints or retire.

"My feelings about the 2020 season! I look forward to the grind and the journey, for the reward at the end will be worth it!!! Love you #WhoDatNation. Let's make another run at it!" Brees wrote in his Instagram post.

It's likely the Saints and Brees will agree on a "long-term" contract for cap purposes, similar to his restructure last year. Tacking on voidable years to what would realistically amount to a one-year contract would allow the Saints to keep Brees' cap hold lower in 2020 and thus make them more likely to add or retain pieces for a Super Bowl run next season.

Brees threw for 2,979 yards and 27 touchdowns against four interceptions last season while being limited to 11 games because of injury. Teddy Bridgewater replaced Brees during his absence and is expected to leave New Orleans this offseason via free agency.

Brees struggled during New Orleans' Wild Card Round loss to the Minnesota Vikings, with Taysom Hill seemingly being the best player on both sides of the ball for the Saints. Hill is a restricted free agent this month, but the Saints are expected to push to retain him. Perhaps Hill can be a buffer to keep Brees healthy and the Saints offense explosive in 2020.