CBSSports.com are reporting that New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is furious with being given the franchise tag and is refusing to sign his deal which is currently worth between $16 million and $17 million pending the outcome of the Peyton Manning situation in Indianapolis.
Talks between Brees and the Saints have been frayed as of late with it being said that the two sides are $5 million per year apart. This could be a significant amount given that Brees’ last contract was worth $60 million over six years.
It seems improbable that the Saints could really lowball their franchise quarterback but all the talk coming out about the negotiations suggests that New Orleans are trying to get Brees back in the fold at a discount while Brees wants a deal that is at least comparable to the record breaking money received by both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
The course of action being taken both by Brees and Saints management in these negotiations is truly baffling immediately after Brees became the new season passing yards record holder after breaking the decades old mark posted by Dan Merino. Yet that is exactly where this negotiation has led to.
As the situation currently stands, the two sides have until July 15th to hammer out a new deal. Should the deadline be reached and a new deal is not made, Drew Brees must either sign his franchise deal or hold out.
To stay up to date on the latest from NFL Spin Zone, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.