Drew Brees was officially a free agent as of noon yesterday but, as expected, he'll be returning to the New Orleans Saints next season. According to several NFL insiders, including ESPN's Adam Schefter, Brees and the Saints have agreed to a two-year deal worth $50 million that includes $27M guaranteed.
Schefter notes, Drew Brees’ deal will be written as a two-year deal, but in actuality it will be a one-year deal with a team option after the first year, per source. It also will include a no-trade clause, virtually ensuring that Brees finishes his career in New Orleans. By agreeing to a deal with Brees before the start of a new league year (Wednesday, March 14 at 4pm ET), the Saints avoid having an $18M dead cap hit in 2018.
The 39-year old quarterback has been with the Saints since 2006 but he no longer has to throw for 5,000 yards a season. With a running back committee that features veteran workhorse Mark Ingram and last season's Offensive Rookie of the Year Alvin Kamara, Brees doesn't have to carry the offensive load. The 11-time Pro Bowler threw for 4,334 yards in 2017, which was the least since he joined the Saints in 2006.
Entering the 2018 NFL season, Brees needs just 1,495 passing yards to become the NFL's All-Time passing yards leader, as he trails only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.