The Facts: Players set to become unrestricted free agents when their contracts expire next week can begin negotiating new contracts with prospective teams beginning on Monday. Brees will not have that same luxury. According to Nick Underhill of the Advocate, Brees will not be permitted to speak with opposing teams until his contract voids on March 14.

Diehards Line:As PFT's Curtis Crabtree reminded readers, the 14th presents a deadline for the Saints to get a new contract done. They will have to deal with $18 million in dead money against their salary cap should a new deal not come together before the start of the new league year. Brees, GM Mickey Loomis and HC Sean Payton all expect a deal to come together to keep Brees in New Orleans. However, there is still the very real logistical deadline presented by the beginning of free agency. But until they hit that, the Saints at least know they'll be the only team talking to Brees.