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5 reasons Drew Brees extension is brilliant move by Saints

By John Buhler

Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) attempts a pass in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Saints won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) attempts a pass in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Saints won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterbacks Drew Brees (9) and Luke McCown (7) on the bench in the second half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterbacks Drew Brees (9) and Luke McCown (7) on the bench in the second half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Gives Saints more time to find suitable long-term replacement

With more and more college football offenses giving way to the spread, the NFL is getting fewer and fewer quarterback prospects that played in a pro-style offense. The next two ‘can’t-miss’ franchise quarterbacks that will headline NFL Drafts are Clemson’s Deshaun Watson and UCLA’s Josh Rosen.

Watson can enter the 2017 NFL Draft after his junior season for the Tigers. He has dual-threat capabilities. He is an accurate passer that can run a pro-style offense but seems too slight of built to start in the NFL at 22 years old.

Rosen is only a sophomore, so he can’t go pro until 2018. The UCLA signal caller is slight as well, but can make all the throws and isn’t afraid of tough competition. He’ll need two more years of growth under center, but he looks to be the real deal for Jim Mora’s Bruins.

Though Watson and Rosen have franchise quarterback potential, neither are guaranteed to be NFL successes right off the bat. By extending Brees, this removes the Saints from being forced to draft and start either rookie right away in 2017 or 2018.

Brees would be an ideal player/coach for either of these franchise quarterbacks. They won’t have to start rookie season Week 1 like Wentz has to in Philadelphia. They can grow and mature for at least a year under Brees’ guidance.

Next: 2016 NFL season: Epic season preview

Should the Saints cut ties with Brees after 2017, there is another quarterback to keep an eye on. While he’s only a true freshman, Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason has the build and the arm strength to play Week 1 in 2019. If his college career pans out, Eason is the type of quarterback the Saints can rally behind in 2019, regardless if Brees is still in New Orleans.

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