Brees Contract Situation Remains Unresolved with the Saints

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees must be disappointed that his contract situation remains unresolved. (Chris Graythen)

In 2005, Drew Brees was forced into a similar situation to the one he is now. Back then, he agreed to play for the San Diego Chargers under their one-year franchise tag. During the season, he suffered a career-threatening injury to his throwing shoulder. The injury left him fielding well-below value offers. One of those offers came from the New Orleans Saints. They and their fans had just survived the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. Brees and his family vowed to help transform the city while he joined the Saints.

Six years later that $60 million contract is over. In those years, Brees has turned the Saints into one of the elite teams in football, set many new records, and did everything he promised and then some for the city and their fan base. He has led the team to a 62-33 record and the franchise's first Super Bowl trophy ever. All while being severely underpaid. The man has done all that could possibly be asked of him.

Now, all Brees wants in return is a long-term contract. The Saints front office responded by asking him to sign the team's franchise tag of $16.3 million over one-year. Brees has declined because he obviously does not want to relive 2006 all over again. He reiterated his desire for a long-term contract. The Saints finally started offering him some options, but all were severely under market value. Brees is obviously disappointed and has told reporters that he would be willing to miss training camp if it became necessary.

If the two sides don't come to terms by Monday, that very thing will happen. Now, there's been some talk that Brees is being greedy and selfish. Let me be the first to dispel that myth. First of all, you simply need to look at all that Brees has done to serve others in need. Greedy and selfish would be two of the least likely words to actually describe him. Second, Brees is not doing this for himself. He is doing this for his family. And I don't mean simply his wife and kids. Though they are important to him. I mean the people he serves and the communities he loves. Brees gives so much of his time and money away to help others in need. They are the ones who need Brees to get a guaranteed contract as much as him himself.

If I were to meet Saints owner Tom Benson, this is what I would say. Give Drew Brees the money he is asking for. All of it. Because the man has single-handedly won you football games, set records on the football, won you your only Super Bowl, and has generated more money for you than you even realize.  He means more to your communities, supporters, and players than you could possibly comprehend. You should give Brees the money because of who he is. There isn't a value that can compensate what he does. Drew Brees is simply that type of man both on and off the football field.