New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said that a long-term contract extension for franchised quarterback Drew Breeswill get done. Owner Tom Benson went one further, guaranteeing that an extension will get done, Juan Kincaid of WWL-TV reports.
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"Look, we love Drew Brees, every fan of the New Orleans Saints loves Drew Brees. So do I," Loomis said Friday while attending an event at the Saints Hall of Fame, according to the Associated Press. "No one wants to get him signed more than I do. ... But we also want to have the best team we can have on the field. ... We've just got to get it right."
Brees is coming off one of the most impressive passing seasons in NFL history, setting the single-season NFL record with 5,476 yards and leading the league with 46 touchdown passes. Since signing with the Saints as a free agent in 2006, Brees has passed for 28,394 yards with 201 touchdowns and 93 interceptions. He has gone to five Pro Bowls and led the Saints to their lone Super Bowl win -- and trip -- in franchise history.
Brees expressed his frustration with Saints management Wednesday over a lack of communication and progress in talks toward a new deal. The Saints placed a $16.371 million "exclusive" franchise tag on Brees in early March.
"I feel for him. I feel with him. He wants to be here right now. I want him to be here right now and we'll work hard to get that accomplished," Loomis said. "It's important to Drew, but it's important to our team. The magnitude of this contract is going to impact our team for a long period of time, so we've got to get it right. It's got to be right for Drew, but it's got to be right for our team as well."
The Saints and Brees have until July 15 to reach a multi-year extension.
