Saints, Drew Brees reach 2-year, $50 million contract extension

New Orleans Saints fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as the contract extension for quarterback Drew Brees is in place.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Jane Slater, the deal is a 2-year, $50 million extension, which comes with $27 million in guarantees. The report has been confirmed by local ESPN reporter Mike Triplett, who passed along a quick tidbit from Brees, “I love my team and am excited about the opportunity we will have together.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that Brees’ new 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. It also will include a no-trade clause, virtually ensuring that Brees finishes his career in New Orleans. The Saints also don’t have to worry about that whole $18 million in dead money that was looming.

Mickey Loomis, Sean Payton, and Drew Brees have two years to get at least one more Lombardi Trophy to New Orleans. More key free agent pieces should come.