We read between the lines earlier this week to point out that Drew Brees wouldn't attend the start of the New Orleans Saints' offseason workout program. Our irresponsible speculation has now been confirmed.
Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Brees is not planning to come to the sessions. Brees is expected to be in town at some point next week, but he won't show up without a contract.
"It is very upsetting to him not being there Monday," a source told Triplett. "He wants to be there for his teammates."
Despite owner Tom Benson's claim that the two sides are "close" to a deal, all indications point to little progress being made of late, which a source with knowledge of the situation later seemed to confirm. The source told NFL.com's Steve Wyche on Friday that there has been no movement in the talks between the two sides. Brees spoke about interim head coach Joe Vitt on Friday, but has stayed mum about his plans for showing up to work.
Brees could theoretically sign an injury waiver to lift weights with his teammates if he was that upset, but it's not really that big of a deal. The Saints don't begin on-field practices until May 21.
That is the next deadline to watch. Brees missing OTAs would make this stalemate more upsetting for Brees, the Saints and their fans.
