Brees wants $10 million a year

[Kodos]

He's a pretty good QB, but he is not even close to being worth $10 million a year. If that's what he really expects, I hope the Dolphins let him go suffer with the Saints.

[Lorena]

GIVE IT TO HIM!!!

[NoMyths]

Lots of teams need a Pro Bowl QB, and its not a terrible idea for him to try and command as much cash as he can at this stage of his career.

[NoMyths]

dola...

Go Boilers! :D

[Eaglesfan27]

10 million a year is not that bad if it is long term deal and structured in a way in which the cap hit isn't too terrible if he is cut in 3 years (if he doesn't live up to the potential that he has shown in the past few seasons.)

[Anthony]

why would you want to leave San Deigo? i plan on retiring there. great weather. team is on the rise.

weather would play a huge factor for me if i were a football player. who wants to play in Green Bay during the winter? who wants to play in Buffalo?

losing will happen, the only thing that sucks more than losing is having to be on a bad team and freeze your nuts off for nothing.

[Butter]

So, does this mean that Leinart and Young are falling that fast?

[Eaglesfan27]

So, does this mean that Leinart and Young are falling that fast?


I don't think so. The talk on local radio is that the Saints just want to try to get more value out of the #2 pick. I still think Leinart is probably going to go #2, just not to the Saints if they get Brees. They'll hopefully trade down just a few spots and pick up an extra pick or two.

[JPhillips]

In this market he'll probably get 12-15 mil a year.

[moriarty]

In this market he'll probably get 12-15 mil a year.

Not if he's asking for 10. :confused:

Edit: Unless of course the Redskins decide to overpay yet again.

[JPhillips]

Its a joke Moriarty.

[stevew]

Paying 10 million per to Brees on a 102 million dollar cap does not seem too bad. I'd have to have some kind of protection on the contract in case his shoulder is still shit....like ef27 said, an out after 3 years or something. Solid QB's like him just don't grow on trees.

[moriarty]

Its a joke Moriarty.

I hope so.

[Cringer]

why would you want to leave San Deigo? i plan on retiring there. great weather. team is on the rise.

weather would play a huge factor for me if i were a football player. who wants to play in Green Bay during the winter? who wants to play in Buffalo?

losing will happen, the only thing that sucks more than losing is having to be on a bad team and freeze your nuts off for nothing.

From everything I have heard, he really wants to stay in San Diego, and he does love it there. But the Chargers are feeling the same about him I guess, as far as the money goes anyways. If he can get a huge amount of money somewhere else, then good for him.

BTW, do we have a free agency thread somewhere I am not seeing? I wanted to bitch about the Packers GM being a dumbass once again and letting Longwell walk away....and walk away to the Vikings. Another Packer to Minnesota, way to go Thompson.

[Ksyrup]

why would you want to leave San Deigo?

Doesn't appear it was his choice.

[Anthony]

Doesn't appear it was his choice.

it indeed is his choice. you have to assume that a higher quality of living, not having to play in horrible weather and being on a team on it's way up (if you are in fact concerned about winning and not just about the money) has a monetary value attached to it. so it's within his ability to not make top dollar - once you get into a range such as what these guys make a million here or there isn't going to make a huge dent when you can essentially play wherever you want. so instead of making $10million per, you make $7million per but at least you play in great weather, get to play with an MVP-calibre RB and don't have to worry about looking over your shoulder.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm not familiar with SD's sports market, but is there any indication the Chargers were even willing to give him 7 million, HA?

[Cringer]

San Diego made one offer to Brees from what I have seen, and it was a crap 1 year deal that screwed him if injured. According to this article, it is any injury, not just the shoulder injury. But gee, I guess HA would take a huge risk like this for one more year in SD.

By Jim Trotter
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
March 12, 2006

You can criticize the decision, but not the motivation.

If A.J. Smith believes Philip Rivers will develop into a better quarterback than Drew Brees, then he made the right call in clearing a path for Rivers to assume the starting job.

We often talk about playing to win instead of playing not to lose. That philosophy applies to general managers as well as to teams.

Smith knows the popular decision would be to bring back Brees for another year, even if it means paying him $9 million as a franchise player. But Smith has no interest in winning popularity contests; he's more concerned about winning championships, and clearly he believes Rivers is more capable of doing that, otherwise he would have made a legitimate effort to re-sign Brees.


And don't bring up that one-year, incentive-laden deal they offered Brees. It doesn't pass the sniff test. At best, it was disingenuous. At worst, it was insulting. Follow along:

Say Brees is completely healthy during training camp and earns the starting job entering the season opener. On the first play from scrimmage, however, he sustains a career-ending knee injury. Now he has no chance to earn the $8 million in 2006 play-time incentives the team included in its contract offer, and the reason is his knee, not his shoulder.

You don't have to be a Mensa member to see that this scenario makes no business sense for Brees. It's one thing for the team to have protection against his shoulder not healing, but by structuring the contract offer the way they did, the Chargers also would be protected if Brees went down for any reason.

Brees would have been stupid to accept such an offer, so let's stop with the talk that the Chargers really wanted to keep him. On their terms, yes, but only on their terms. Part of the reason is that they have Rivers in the wings, and Smith believes the third-year pro has the tools to be special.

[duckman]

I'm not familiar with SD's sports market, but is there any indication the Chargers were even willing to give him 7 million, HA?

Brees claims that he was offered a 1 year deal with a four year team option. It had to do more with security than it did with the amount they were offering.

[Fonzie]

BTW, do we have a free agency thread somewhere I am not seeing? I wanted to bitch about the Packers GM being a dumbass once again and letting Longwell walk away....and walk away to the Vikings. Another Packer to Minnesota, way to go Thompson.

Yup. A lot of FA talk is going on in the NFL Offseason thread. (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=47247)

And I couldn't agree more about Thompson. He appears to be approaching FA in 1st gear when the rest of the league is in hyperdrive.

[Eaglesfan27]

Brees claims that he was offered a 1 year deal with a four year team option. It had to do more with security than it did with the amount they were offering.


That was my impression as well. I thought maybe HA knew something I didn't about the SD-Brees situation.

[Ksyrup]

That was my impression as well. I thought maybe HA knew something I didn't about the SD-Brees situation.

Exactly. HA makes it sound like Brees walked away from a team that truly wanted him, and that's just not the case.

[Anthony]

i wasn't that aware they insulted him with a one year deal. of course, the guy got hurt and is currently a question mark. will he bounce back? more than likely. but in his current state it's a bit risky to offer the guy a 7 year deal at $10million per (or whatever he'll wind up signing). of the teams that wanted Brees that i know off the top of my head - Miami, Detroit and San Diego - SD has the best upside so far. probably made more sense for Brees to lower his demands a bit.

also, i was just saying if *i* were a pro athlete, the weather of the city would play more of a factor than the team's chances at winning.

[rkmsuf]

If it's down to the Saints and Dolphins he'd be crazy to choose the Saints. Unfortunately for Pats fans, Miami has the real deal in Nick Saban. They are going to be good.

[QuikSand]

How can the Redskins not be in on this?

[rkmsuf]

How can the Redskins not be in on this?

they are too busy locking up Christian Fauria

[Bee]

How can the Redskins not be in on this?

Brees is too young to play QB for the Redskins.

[st.cronin]

The Redskins already signed a QB, Randle-El.

[Bee]

The Redskins already signed a QB, Randle-El.

Well, you can't argue it's not an upgrade...

[Tigercat]

If it's down to the Saints and Dolphins he'd be crazy to choose the Saints. Unfortunately for Pats fans, Miami has the real deal in Nick Saban. They are going to be good.

Someone has to choose the Saints. You have to field a team with players, believe it or not. And some players are going to look at it as a chance to be a part of something even more special than an ordinary football team. And I am not talking about taking less money for a good opporitunity sort of way, I am talking about making what a player is worth while doing something good even before you win games. For the player who looks at the situation in a certain way, its win win regardless. And its not like the Saints are really devoid of talent either.

[rkmsuf]

Someone has to choose the Saints. You have to field a team with players, believe it or not. And some players are going to look at it as a chance to be a part of something even more special than an ordinary football team. And I am not talking about taking less money for a good opporitunity sort of way, I am talking about making what a player is worth while doing something good even before you win games. For the player who looks at the situation in a certain way, its win win regardless. And its not like the Saints are really devoid of talent either.

I'm just saying, faced with a choice I would think you choose Miami. That's all.

[Toddzilla]

Criminy, the Dolphins did pretty well the last time they had a QB from Purdue, so they need to sack-up and pay that man the money.

[Fouts]

I like Brees but why take the chance when you are paying Rivers all that money? Also, I'd like to see what Rivers can do, maybe he won't fumble the ball in the 4th quarter and will actually put games away.

[Eaglesfan27]

Brees made a lot of smart comments about wanting to help New Orleans bounce back and how he loves to help turn a team around (which is why he says he chose Purdue rather than a bigger college team.) One could certainly argue that New Orleans has a more talented receiving corp than Miami. If Deuce can come back from his injury they have the potential to have a strong running game. Nick Saban is a great coach, but I don't think it would necessarily be just about the money if he chose the Saints over the Dolphins.

[jeff061]

I like Brees but why take the chance when you are paying Rivers all that money? Also, I'd like to see what Rivers can do, maybe he won't fumble the ball in the 4th quarter and will actually put games away.

I'd consider Rivers a much larger risk. How many college QBs actually pan out like Brees has? Seems the range is usually mediocre to bust.

[Antmeister]

I like Brees but why take the chance when you are paying Rivers all that money? Also, I'd like to see what Rivers can do, maybe he won't fumble the ball in the 4th quarter and will actually put games away.

Ugh! I don't want to go through another quarterback trying to learn the system. I want to stick with what works. Think about the weapons on this offense. They will be gone by the time Rivers is comfortable playing quarterback in the NFL and the Chargers will be at the bottom of the division again.

It is painful to be a Chargers fan, because I don't believe the ownership will ever do whatever it takes to win. Every fricking time I believe the Chargers are going to turn the corner, they always manage to make a bad business decision.

It still hurts me to this day that they actually let Bobby Ross go. Imagine if he was coaching this team.....just imagine.

[Raiders Army]

Ugh! I don't want to go through another quarterback trying to learn the system. I want to stick with what works. Think about the weapons on this offense. They will be gone by the time Rivers is comfortable playing quarterback in the NFL and the Chargers will be at the bottom of the division again.

It is painful to be a Chargers fan, because I don't believe the ownership will ever do whatever it takes to win. Every fricking time I believe the Chargers are going to turn the corner, they always manage to make a bad business decision.

It still hurts me to this day that they actually let Bobby Ross go. Imagine if he was coaching this team.....just imagine.
Bobby Ross is a great guy. I've met him a few times like my daughter's field day last year and walking around.

[stevew]

It still hurts me to this day that they actually let Bobby Ross go. Imagine if he was coaching this team.....just imagine.

I think you should write a song about this.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Bobby Ross is a great guy. I've met him a few times like my daughter's field day last year and walking around.

It's good to see Ross has recovered his sanity following his years as head coach of the Lions.

[JediKooter]

As Brees said in the paper, "I'm Butler's guy and Philip is A.J.'s guy, 'nuff said."

[Toddzilla]

From the Miami Herald:

The Dolphins signed a new left tackle to help protect their quarterback.

They now hope to have a new quarterback to protect. As of late Monday, indications were that Drew Brees was leaning toward signing with the Dolphins and that agent Tom Condon was waiting to see if the team came up with an acceptable offer.

Condon did not return several messages from The Miami Herald on Monday, but sources indicated that Brees preferred the Dolphins over New Orleans even though the Saints made a more lucrative offer when he visited them Saturday and Sunday.
w00t

[Raiders Army]

From the Miami Herald:


w00t
LOL. There's another thread saying the Fins traded for Culpepper.

[flere-imsaho]

NFL Quarterbacks I'd rather have than Brees (assuming his shoulder heals back to normal):

Tom Brady, Carson Palmer (assuming he recovers), Peyton Manning, Matt Hasselbeck, Marc Bulger

No, I don't think they're overpaying.

[Samdari]

"the Saints made a more lucrative offer when he visited them Saturday and Sunday."

Should have signed it then Drew - the offer just went down.

[cthomer5000]

Drew might have just priced himself out of a lot of money.

[st.cronin]

I'm very confused. Do the Dolphins really now have Brees and Culpepper?

[rkmsuf]

I'm very confused. Do the Dolphins really now have Brees and Culpepper?

And they traded for Marvin Harrison just moments ago.

[Kodos]

Barry Sanders has just unretired and has been traded to the Dolphins for Marty Booker.

[JPhillips]

When the Bulger trade goes through the Dolphins really will be loaded.

[st.cronin]

Brees has NOT signed? I saw something this morning that he had signed with the Dolphins ... then there's the thread about the Dolphins trading for Culpepper ... is one of those not true?

[Cringer]

When the Bulger trade goes through the Dolphins really will be loaded.

That's just the begining. The Packers are going to decide to move on without Favre, since he hasn't said what he will do. Then, come about June Favre will decide he wants to play.

Favre will be a Dolphin.

[Masked]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="440"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td> Brees agrees to six-year deal with Saints (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5410800)

Jay Glazer / FOXSports.com
Posted: 5 minutes ago <!-- Meta Tag For Search --> <!-- meta name="author" content="Jay Glazer"--> <!-- meta name="source" content="FS"--> <!-- meta name="eventId" content=""--> <!-- meta name="contentTypeCode" content="1"--> <!-- meta name="editorContentCode" content="1"--> <!-- meta name="blurb" content=""--> <!-- meta name="modDate" content="March 14, 2006 18:37:47 GMT"--><script> // front-end hack to remove postedTime from Rumors page until a better way can be determined if (document.URL.indexOf("/name/FS/rumors") != -1) document.getElementById("postedTime").style.display = 'none'; </script> </td> <td width="10">
</td> <td align="right"> <!--this is for sponsorships or brandings--> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td><!-- workingCategoryId: 5-->
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
Moments after the Dolphins got Daunte Culpepper in a trade with the Vikings, free agent quarterback Drew Brees agreed to a six-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed

[rkmsuf]

Brees has NOT signed? I saw something this morning that he had signed with the Dolphins ... then there's the thread about the Dolphins trading for Culpepper ... is one of those not true?

I think so though not certain.

I couldn't make out the report from the FIU sports guy.

[st.cronin]

ok cbs sportsline has set me straight

i thought nick saban had forgot about the salary cap or something

[cthomer5000]

When the Bulger trade goes through the Dolphins really will be loaded. I just heard Cris Carter unretired again to play for the Dolphins!!1!

[Kodos]

Shaquille O'Neal reportedly wants to play Tight End for the Dolphins next year!!!!11!!!!1!11!11111!!!11!!

[JPhillips]

I believe the "FOR SALE" sign just popped up over the Saint's draft pick.

[rkmsuf]

Late Breaking News:

Dolphins | Ditka coming on board
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:25:38 -0800

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, reports the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with Mike Ditka that will bring the former coach to Miami to be the head coach of the team and Nick Saban has announced he is taking over the role of GM. Financial terms are undisclosed at this time.

[WSUCougar]

Laces out, Culpepper!

[JPhillips]

Late Breaking News:

Dolphins | Ditka retires. Don Shula Back in Miami.
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:25:38 -0800

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, reports the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with Don Shula that will bring the former coach to Miami to be the head coach of the team. Recently signed Mike Ditka will retire and get a condo in Boca. Financial terms are undisclosed at this time.

[Kodos]

Late Breaking News:

Dolphins | Ditka coming on board
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:25:38 -0800

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, reports the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with Mike Ditka that will bring the former coach to Miami to be the head coach of the team and Nick Saban has announced he is taking over the role of GM. Financial terms are undisclosed at this time.

Excellent. The mini-Ditkas can not be far behind!!!!11!11

[rkmsuf]

Late Breaking News:

Dolphins | Ditka retires. Don Shula Back in Miami.
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:25:38 -0800

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, reports the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with Don Shula that will bring the former coach to Miami to be the head coach of the team. Recently signed Mike Ditka will retire and get a condo in Boca. Financial terms are undisclosed at this time.

The 5 minutes of Ditka will be enough to put them over the top.

[Kodos]

Even Later Breaking News:

Dolphins | Tom Brady Quits Patriots, Signs With Dolphins
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:25:38 -0800

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, reports the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with S Tom Brady that will bring the former quarterback to Miami to play strong safety. "With Daunte and Drew already aboard, I decided I could help out most in the secondary." Recently traded Daunte Culpepper and recently signed Drew Brees will handle the dual-QB duties. Financial terms are undisclosed at this time.

[cthomer5000]

See, that Brady is a team guy.

[st.cronin]

Matt Cassell

[JPhillips]

Even Later Later Breaking News:

Dolphins | Detroit's Millen Attacks Dolphin's Moves
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:25:38 -0800

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, reports that Lion's GM Matt Millen has issued a press release focused on the recent QB and S signings of the Miami Dolphins. Says Millen, "These moves are fucking stupid. Culpepper and Brees and Bulger all as QBs and Tom Brady as a safety. Saban's a idiot. I just want to know who the hell's going to catch the ball. Who are the fucking recievers, huh?"

[st.cronin]

I think Tom Brady will turn out to be the greatest safety of all time.

[rkmsuf]

Even Even Later Later Breaking News:

Dolphins | Brady makes Pro Bowl
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:26:38 -0800

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, reports that Dolphins new starting safety Tom Brady has been voted to the 2007 Pro Bowl as starting safety prior to the season. Head coach Don Shula said "I think it's the right thing to do. He deserves it."

[Kodos]

Even Later Later Breaking News:

Dolphins | Detroit's Millen Attacks Dolphin's Moves
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:25:38 -0800

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, reports that Lion's GM Matt Millen has issued a press release focused on the recent QB and S signings of the Miami Dolphins. Says Millen, "These moves are fucking stupid. Culpepper and Brees and Bulger all as QBs and Tom Brady as a safety. Saban's a idiot. I just want to know who the hell's going to catch the ball. Who are the fucking recievers, huh?"

Whichever QB is not under center. Of course, the Dolphins will feature the revolutionary 2 QB under center system. Defenses will be paralyzed. "Who has the ball?"

[st.cronin]

I <3 fofc

[rkmsuf]

4 hands under center is hot

it's like a gang hike

[Kodos]

Just wait until they move Bulger to center. Then it'll be six hands, and you just better lookout for the QB keeper, boyz!

[SegRat]

Dolphins | Miami signs Deion Sanders to play WR?
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:25:38 -0800

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, reports the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with Deion Sanders that will bring the former cornerback to Miami to play wide receiver. "With Daunte and Drew already aboard, I decided I could help out most catching passes. I have always wanted to play WR, so this is a dream come true."

[GrantDawg]

All I can say to the title of this thread is, "me too."

[finkenst]

I <3 fofc

i was just thinking this. :)

[Antmeister]

This is a sad day for this Chargers fan. Now I have to go through yet another quarterback learining the system. I hope he can perform well with his first snaps much like Big Ben did, but it seems very unlikely.

And now I only hope that the other talented players on offense don't leave when he finally gets comfortable with this offense. Philip better be an above average quarterback or the Chargers are going to be struggling for the next few years.

[Lorena]

:( :( :( Darn, I was really, really hoping the Chargers were gonna sign him. Wishful thinking on my end, I know, but I was hopeful.

[Raiders Army]

This is a sad day for this Chargers fan. Now I have to go through yet another quarterback learining the system. I hope he can perform well with his first snaps much like Big Ben did, but it seems very unlikely.

And now I only hope that the other talented players on offense don't leave when he finally gets comfortable with this offense. Philip better be an above average quarterback or the Chargers are going to be struggling for the next few years.
After a couple of years in Marty's system, I would hope that he would perform just as well as, if not better than, Roethliswhatever did in his rookie year. If he doesn't, then shame on him.

[Antmeister]

After a couple of years in Marty's system, I would hope that he would perform just as well as, if not better than, Roethliswhatever did in his rookie year. If he doesn't, then shame on him.

I don't know. Marty S. is no Bobby Ross, but I will have to wait and see since I have no idea what he can do. I am just having flashbacks on the number of quarterbacks the Chargers have went through in ten years.

[Raiders Army]

I'd take Phillip Rivers over the Raiders QB right now.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Can we have more Jay Glazer headlines, please? I was actually rolling on the floor for those. Totally hilarious.

[Ksyrup]

It seems like we have a half-dozen Brees/Culpepper/NFL Signings threads around here, so forgive me if this is mentioned elsewhere, but has anyone seen the specifics of Brees' contract? In baseball terms, it's essentially a 1-year deal with a team option for 5 (or fewer) years. He's getting an $8M signing bonus and a base salary of $2M this year, with a $12M bonus due next year. That's $10M to try him out this year, with no further obligation if he doesn't work out. He's not really in any better position had SD franchised him. Interesting, when all you see in the headlines is "Brees Signs 6 year, $60M Deal."

[stevew]

It seems like we have a half-dozen Brees/Culpepper/NFL Signings threads around here, so forgive me if this is mentioned elsewhere, but has anyone seen the specifics of Brees' contract? In baseball terms, it's essentially a 1-year deal with a team option for 5 (or fewer) years. He's getting an $8M signing bonus and a base salary of $2M this year, with a $12M bonus due next year. That's $10M to try him out this year, with no further obligation if he doesn't work out. He's not really in any better position had SD franchised him. Interesting, when all you see in the headlines is "Brees Signs 6 year, $60M Deal."

Yeah, I saw that, but apparently it was the best deal he was gonna get offered. I wonder how bad the Dolphins offer must have been, since he took this offer instead.

[finkenst]

It seems like we have a half-dozen Brees/Culpepper/NFL Signings threads around here, so forgive me if this is mentioned elsewhere, but has anyone seen the specifics of Brees' contract? In baseball terms, it's essentially a 1-year deal with a team option for 5 (or fewer) years. He's getting an $8M signing bonus and a base salary of $2M this year, with a $12M bonus due next year. That's $10M to try him out this year, with no further obligation if he doesn't work out. He's not really in any better position had SD franchised him. Interesting, when all you see in the headlines is "Brees Signs 6 year, $60M Deal."

besides getting $10mil for 1 year?

Sign me up for that.

[Julio Riddols]

Dolphins | Miami signs John Madden for new "Sound Effect" position
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:25:38 -0800

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, reports the Miami Dolphins have brought aboard one of the most recognizable names in sports today, John Madden, as the teams' "Sound Effect" specialist. "I am just excited to stand and yell out different things on the sidelines, rather than just sitting in a booth explaining how scoring points helps a team win a game." The oft-onomatopoetic Madden is expected to give team morale a boost after big hits and will have access to a new "Teletron" that Miami executives have installed in the stadium. "We think John, utilizing his skill with the telestrator as well as his ability to put sounds into word form, will be an excellent addition to our burgeoning crop of already completed deals." Explained team owner Wayne Huizenga. In other news, The 'fins have also contacted Dick Vitale about his availability as a hype consultant.

[Ksyrup]

besides getting $10mil for 1 year?

Sign me up for that.

The point is, this deal isn't really much more than what he would have gotten as a franchise player for SD. If he performs well, than, yes, he's in line for a lot more money, but if SD franchised him and he had another good year, he'd have been in line for a big contract next year, anyway.

$10M for 1 year is about what he would have gotten anyway, so that's why this deal isn't as great as it appears to be in a Scott Boras-type hyped up, "6 years, $60M" headline. It's a 1 year deal for about what his franchise designation would have been, with a team option to lock him in next year for up to 5 more years if he plays well this year.

Personally, I think he would have been better off signing a 1 year deal with the Saints or another team this year for $8-10M, then having true free agency next year. Under his new contract, if he performs well, the Saints get to keep him. If not, he's dumped and the additional 5 years on this deal mean nothing.

[Anthony]

even if they pick up the option for the next 5 years - he will never see that $12million signing bonus next season.

these "deals" are actually closer to "suggestions". they are always reworked. Rich Gannon signed a 7 year deal when he was like 37 after winning an MVP award. it's all for bragging rights for the players and credentials for the agents and headlines for the press.

[Anthony]

i said this all along - why not just resign with SD. i'm sure he wouldn't have to twist their arm and say "listen, i'm Drew Brees, i just went to the Pro Bowl and this team is on the way up, we got a good thing going here with LT and myself - let's make it happen'". what is he gonna accomplish in that cess-pool known as the Saints that he couldn't do with SD for a similar one year deal?

[Ksyrup]

even if they pick up the option for the next 5 years - he will never see that $12million signing bonus next season.

Wait...they HAVE to pay him the $12M if they want him around after this year (unless he's so bad or hurt that they cut him and he signs an entirely new deal). This would work just like the TO thing this past week - signing bonus is coming due, they either pay it and retain him or cut him.

As far as SD is concerned, I'm still not convinced he was in their plans for 2006. With the injury and the amount they've paid Rivers, it appears they decided to move on when it became clear Brees would want a large contract. Even for another 1 year, franchise tag amount, SD probably figured it wasn't worth it because then they'd lose the chance to develop Rivers before he left.

[rkmsuf]

SD didn't want Brees.

[wade moore]

Wait...they HAVE to pay him the $12M if they want him around after this year (unless he's so bad or hurt that they cut him and he signs an entirely new deal). This would work just like the TO thing this past week - signing bonus is coming due, they either pay it and retain him or cut him.

As far as SD is concerned, I'm still not convinced he was in their plans for 2006. With the injury and the amount they've paid Rivers, it appears they decided to move on when it became clear Brees would want a large contract. Even for another 1 year, franchise tag amount, SD probably figured it wasn't worth it because then they'd lose the chance to develop Rivers before he left.

I also think that there is a certain amount of ego here, even if he would have been the starter in 2006. Whether we think it should or not, Ego definatley comes into play with NFL players, let alone an NFL player that has been this good. San Diego has basically repeatedly bitch-slapped him and given the message that he is a nothing... how can his ego let him go play for them? I know mine wouldn't.

[Anthony]

Wait...they HAVE to pay him the $12M if they want him around after this year (unless he's so bad or hurt that they cut him and he signs an entirely new deal). This would work just like the TO thing this past week - signing bonus is coming due, they either pay it and retain him or cut him.


he will never see it. it will be restructured. it's the way the league works.

[stevew]

If they like Brees enough after this season, the logical thing to do would be to convert that 12 million into a signing bonus, add an extra year onto the backend of that contract, and keep him. But at the same time for the team to go through and perhaps reduce some of the future salaries a touch. If he's your guy, paying him bases of around 7-8 million a year and 3 million in bonus money is not too much, especially on an over 100 million dollar cap.

[Daimyo]

The $8M bonus makes it a bit difficult to cut him next year since they'd end up a cap hit of $6.7M by doing so. I think its a reasonable deal for an injured player as it gives them an out (although not a free out) if his injury is worse than expected and gives him a fair contract if he's healthy.

[Kodos]

I wish the Dolphins had paid him $10 million a year now. :(

[gottimd]

I wish the Dolphins had paid him $10 million a year now. :(

So you're not satisfied with the Culpepper decision?:confused:

[Kodos]

Oh, I am. I just want depth in case Culpepper and Harrington and Lemon get hurt.

[gottimd]

Ok, thats what I thought you were thinking. You just can't have enough QB's.

[Subby]

/points at kodos and laughs

[Kodos]

/points at kodos and laughs


Points at Redskins and thanks God they aren't his favorite team.

[bulletsponge]

Points at Redskins and thanks God they aren't his favorite team.

BURN! http://www.smileyhut.com/naughty/evil2.gif

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Yeah, deciding against Brees appears as if that may be Saban's biggest blunder. I shudder to think what they could have done with him.

[dbd1963]

i said this all along - why not just resign with SD. i'm sure he wouldn't have to twist their arm and say "listen, i'm Drew Brees, i just went to the Pro Bowl and this team is on the way up, we got a good thing going here with LT and myself - let's make it happen'". what is he gonna accomplish in that cess-pool known as the Saints that he couldn't do with SD for a similar one year deal?

:eek:

[albionmoonlight]

Re: Brees v. Culpepper--

All other things being as equal as possible, QBs with "intangibles" always seem to do better than QBs with freakish physical talent.

However, coaches and GMs always end up seeming to go for the player with the physical talent in the end.

I think that it is an ego thing on the coaches' part. A coach looks at a player with great athletic gifts and thinks "I am a great coach. I can teach him all of the intangibles. Once I do that, he'll be the next John Elway or Steve Young with his combination of athletic ability (given by God) and leadership/intangible skills (given by me)."

I know that, in this case, people can claim that the injuries had something to do with the choice, but I still think that, in general coaches' sense of their own greatness causes them to pass on great players for players with great potental.

[Ksyrup]

I knew he was having a great year, but I didn't know that if he averages about 310 yards a game for the last 3 games of the season, he'll break Marino's record. Wow.

[gottimd]

It's good to see a good QB in New Orleans finally. I apologize in advance to you Heath Shuler, Billy Joe Hobert, Billy Joe Tolliver, Aaron Brooks, Danny Awful fans. The last decent one I can remember was Bobby Hebert, but I am probably forgetting somebody. And I said decent, not great.

[dbd1963]

There are no fans of the alleged QBs you mentioned.

You forgot Everet, who holds a couple of team records, but wasn't on teams that were any good. And he was definitely not great. Archie Manning was great, but that was a long time ago.

[gottimd]

There are no fans of the alleged QBs you mentioned.

You forgot Everet, who holds a couple of team records, but wasn't on teams that were any good. And he was definitely not great. Archie Manning was great, but that was a long time ago.

Ah yes, Everet, I forgot about him. I need to see the Jim Rome incident again. Archie was an obvious one, but I was thinking a little more recent than that.

No Heath Shuler fans, surely you can't be serious?

[wade moore]

Ah yes, Everet, I forgot about him. I need to see the Jim Rome incident again. Archie was an obvious one, but I was thinking a little more recent than that.

No Heath Shuler fans, surely you can't be serious?

I'm a fan of Heath Shuler the college football player.

[gottimd]

I'm a fan of Heath Shuler the college football player.

What about his pro career? He was fantastic. A little better than Danny Awful, but just a tad worse than a new born chimp.

[wade moore]

What about his pro career? He was fantastic. A little better than Danny Awful, but just a tad worse than a new born chimp.

Shuler to Howard - such a deadly combo!

[Passacaglia]

Aren't you guys forgetting Steve Walsh??

[gottimd]

Shuler to Howard - such a deadly combo!

I was shocked to learn that this combo wasn't automatically placed in the Hall of Fame, or at least some sort of Bronzed Statue erected of their, I'll take a guess here, 12 receptions, No TD's?

[Barkeep49]

I'm amazed at the disrespect being shown to Congressman Shuler. I think you all are unpatriotic.

[wade moore]

I was shocked to learn that this combo wasn't automatically placed in the Hall of Fame, or at least some sort of Bronzed Statue erected of their, I'll take a guess here, 12 receptions, No TD's?

I was curious, so I looked.. in 1994 Howard had 40 receptions for 727 yards and 5 TD's.

In 1994 Heath Shuler played in 11 games and completed 120 of 265 attempts for 1658 yards, 10 TD's, and 11 INT's.

Here is the full QB Situations



+----------------------+----+-------------------------------+-------------+
| Name | G | CMP ATT PCT YARD Y/A TD IN | RSH YARD TD |
+----------------------+----+-------------------------------+-------------+
| Gus Frerotte (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/FrerGu00.htm) | 5 | 46 100 46.0 600 6.0 5 5 | 4 1 0 |
| John Friesz (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/FrieJo00.htm) | 15 | 105 180 58.3 1266 7.0 10 9 | 1 1 0 |
| Heath Shuler (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/ShulHe00.htm) | 11 | 120 265 45.3 1658 6.3 10 12 | 26 103 0 |
+----------------------+----+-------------------------------+-------------+
So, I don't know that your numbers are that far off ;)...

[gottimd]

I'm amazed at the disrespect being shown to Congressman Shuler. I think you all are unpatriotic.

If I am wearing Patriotic Undies, does that offset my disrespect?

[rkmsuf]

If I am wearing Patriotic Undies, does that offset my disrespect?

only if Shuler's face is imprinted on them