Saints and Drew Brees agree to a restructured contract

According to multiple sources, the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees have agreed to restructure the quarterback's contract, freeing up an additional 10.8 million in cap space this season. That money is instead pushed to the 2020 season, where the salary cap number for Brees 41.3 million.

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This move should allow the Saints the cap room for further free agency moves. The team has reportedly met with Detroit Lions edge rusher Ziggy Ansah, and have a scheduled meeting with Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook. Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is also still mulling over contract offers from both the Saints and Miami Dolphins, despite previous reports that he had agreed to re-sign with New Orleans.

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Speculation about retirement will continue to surround Brees, who turned 40 in January, until he officially does walk away. This move, while freeing up cap space this year, could put the team in dire straits for the 2020 season barring any further moves. The 41 million cap figure is imposing if Brees does play, but the Saints would also face approximately 21 million in dead cap money if the contract is voided or if Brees does retire after the 2019 season. The Saints already face big financial decisions on receiver Michael Thomas, guard Andrus Peat, safety Vonn Bell, and defensive tackle David Onyemata, whose contracts expire after the 2019 season. Clearly, the New Orleans Saints have a specific strategy in mind with this move.