BREES, SAINTS REACH CONTRACT EXTENSION

Quarterback Drew Brees reached a long-awaited contract extension with the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, four days before a Week 1 kickoff against the Oakland Raiders and a selfimposed deadline. The extension automatically voids to two years, committing Brees to the Saints only through next year, and gives Brees $44.25 million fully guaranteed over that span, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder. Pro Football Talk reported the extension included clauses prohibiting a trade or use of the franchise tag.