Brees downplays any contract deal
Drew Brees was calm and non-confrontational when asked repeatedly why he and the New Orleans Saints weren’t able to negotiate a contract extension before yesterday’s opening practice of training camp.
Around the NFL and in New Orleans, in particular, many seem puzzled that the Saints haven’t nailed down a new, long-term deal with their franchise quarterback, who passed for 48,555 yards and 348 touchdowns in 10 seasons with the club, not to mention MVP honors in New Orleans’ only Super Bowl triumph.
The 37-year-old Brees repeatedly said he wants to end his career in New Orleans, and that once the regular season begins, he intends to cut off negotiations because he doesn’t want to be distracted from preparing for a game.
He took the same approach without a new deal in 2011, and passed for what was then an NFL record 5,476 yards to go with 46 touchdowns. That ultimately earned him a fiveyear, $100 million contract that, in 2012, was the richest deal in the NFL.
“My mindset is the same whether I’ve got a one-year deal or a five-year deal,” Brees said. “’Each and every week, I’ve got to go out and I’ve got to prove it. I’ve got to prove that I give us the best chance to win. I’ve got to prove that I’m a leader on the team that’s going to get the best out of everybody around me and myself.”
Brees declined to get into specifics about sticking points in the negotiations.
Officially a Jet
The New York Jets made the re-signing of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick official, announcing the move less than 10 minutes before the start of the team’s first practice of training camp. Fitzpatrick and the Jets agreed to a one-year deal worth $12 million guaranteed on Wednesday night.
The Jets also signed firstround draft pick Darron
Lee to a four-year contract worth $10.2 million that is fully guaranteed.
Lee was the 20th overall pick out of Ohio State is expected to have a big role as a linebacker in coach Todd
Bowles’ defense, likely to be used as a hybrid who can play in different spots.
New York also placed Pro Bowl defensive end
Muhammad Wilkerson and five others on the active physically unable to perform list. Wilkerson, signed to a five-year contract extension two weeks ago, is still recovering from a broken leg in the season finale last December. . . .
The Atlanta Falcons were concerned on the opening day of training camp when star wide receiver Julio
Jones was pulled out with what coach Dan Quinn described as a “little tweak.” Quinn wouldn’t say what Jones hurt. Jones has had two surgeries on his right foot, and is coming off his first All-Pro season.
Vikings extend coach
The Minnesota Vikings gave coach Mike Zimmer a contract extension. Terms were not disclosed.
Zimmer is 18-14 in two seasons with Minnesota and expectations are high this year after the team went 11-5 and won the NFC North last season.
“They really didn’t have to (do it). There was nothing that was pushing this deal,” said Zimmer of talks that took place over the last month. “But I feel very, very fortunate to be the coach of the Vikings. It’s a great organization, a lot of great people.”
Co-owner and team president Mark Wilf says Zimmer helped “transform the culture” of the Vikings. . . .
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Kaleb Ramsey is retiring after just two seasons as a pro. Ramsey was drafted in the seventh round out of Boston College in 2014. He spent his first season on the physically unable to perform list and spent most of last season on the practice squad. Ramsey said he retired to focus on other priorities in his life. . . .
Cleveland Browns linebacker Armonty Bryant pleaded guilty to attempted drug possession, and sentenced to 68 days of probation and fined $1,000. Bryant also is suspended for the first four games this season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.