Denver Broncos: Discussing Drew Brees as a FA option
The Denver Broncos may be a longshot for Kirk Cousins. They may be an even longer shot for Drew Brees, but he’s still not signed…
Less than a week ago, our own Cameron Parker reminded everyone that future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees is still not re-signed with the New Orleans Saints.
Most people have not taken Brees as an unrestricted free agent very seriously, because he’s at the very end of his NFL career and it seemed like a no-brainer that he and the Saints would come together on a deal.
So, why hasn’t Brees signed a new contract yet?
There might be more here than meets the eye.
Of course, conventional logic would tell you that there’s no chance Brees leaves the Saints but I’m not so sure. Brees’ contract re-negotiation with the Saints really screwed them over on the cap, which is part of the danger of moving money into future years, and they could get seriously burned.
Brees’ contract with the Saints included language where the contract would void the final day of the 2017 league year (which is rapidly approaching) which would put a dead money charge of $18 million against the Saints’ cap.
Right now, the dead money number is $6 million as is.
The Saints can’t afford to pay Brees what he could go and get on the open market. He could easily go to Denver or Minnesota and make $28-30 million per year in guaranteed cash to help them contend.
Why would the Broncos not offer it if they are going to make an offer to Kirk Cousins?
I don’t see why not.
More from Predominantly Orange
- Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
- Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
Brees could come stick it to the Chargers for a couple of years while he finishes his career in the same place both John Elway and Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset. He could switch over to the AFC, where the only major threat is Tom Brady compared to the NFC, where Brees and the Saints have a hard enough time coming out on top in the NFC South.
From a sentimental standpoint, it makes no sense for Drew Brees to leave the Saints. From a business perspective?
That’s a different story.
Brees is represented by the same agency as Peyton Manning. He’d likely have an advocate in the Sheriff, and perhaps the Broncos are planning a sneak attack on Brees no one sees coming.
He can make a lot more money pursuing his options as a free agent. He also might be able to find a better path to the Super Bowl than with the Saints. That’s not to say the Saints don’t offer a favorable situation — they do — but Brees would be a great fit in Denver or Minnesota for that matter.
If Kirk Cousins is only wanting to sign for three years for mostly guaranteed money, then I’d take my chances on Brees for two, even three years, and see what happens.
These teams offer just as strong of a chance to win, so if I were Brees, I’d be keeping my options open.