The Facts: It doesn't sound like there is any urgency from Brees or the Saints to discuss a long-term contract extension as he heads into the final year of his current contract. That's a big change from last year, when Brees' contract talks dominated the offseason until he ultimately signed a one-year, Band-Aid extension before the season opener. But Brees said earlier this month that he doesn't plan to push for an extension this year. And GM Mickey Loomis echoed Brees' thoughts Tuesday at the Senior Bowl. "I think he's already addressed that, hasn't he? So I don't have anything to offer you in that regard," Loomis said.
Diehards Line:
Nor is there any discussion as to whether Brees can still play at a high level. The veteran signal caller, who turned 38 earlier this month, looked as good in 2016 as he has in five years, again leading the NFL in passing yards (with 5,208). The Saints have no doubt that Brees is still among the NFL's elite quarterbacks -- which is why they had no problem paying him a fully guaranteed $24.25 million salary for the 2017 season. And they are also probably confident that Brees can continue to thrive into his 40s, which is his stated goal. As Loomis said Tuesday, the Saints haven't thought much about life after Brees yet, because, "We're focused on, 'Hey, how can we make our team better right now for the 2017 season?'" And because, "Drew was pretty darn good this year. He didn't show any signs of slowing down. So I'm excited about that." Fantasy owners should be as well.