So it has been revealed now that Peyton Manning's contract with the Broncos is worth $96 million over five years. That comes out to an average of $19.2 million per year. Tom Brady struck a 4-year deal with the Patriots worth $72 million, or $18 million per year.

But Drew Brees is demanding $23 million per year for his proposed five-year extension with the Saints. That is roughly 20% higher than the next highest paid quarterback in the league, Peyton Manning, and 28% higher per year than three-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady. Now granted, nobody has any idea exactly how effective Peyton Manning will be with the Broncos, given the four neck surgeries he's undergone in the past 18 months. So maybe Brees does deserve a better contract than Manning, but 20% more per year?

I really hope Brees and his agent will see sense now that Manning's contract has come in at $19.2 million per year. If Brees wants to be the highest paid player in the league, I have no problem with it, but I don't see the point in breaking the bank unnecessarily here. How about $19.5 per year for a total of $97.5 million?