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Five reasons why Drew Brees extension would be a mistake for Saints

By Dave Stevenson

Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) walks off the field after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Ravens won 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) walks off the field after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Ravens won 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New Orleans Saints are reportedly close to an extension with Drew Brees, but that might not be the best move

Every good thing must come to an end. Drew Brees has been nothing short of a blessing for the New Orleans Saints but will be a free agent after the 2016 NFL season. The Saints are trying to lock him up long-term with a four-year deal that could be worth roughly $100 million.

It’s understandable that the Saints want to keep the quarterback who took them to their first Super Bowl victory. But that was back in 2009 and Brees is 37 years old now and will be turning 38 in January. It’s time for the Saints to stop reverting to the past and start looking to the future.

Here are five reasons why the Saints shouldn’t keep Drew Brees past 2016.

5. It’s Time To Rebuild

The Saints have been impressive with Brees as their quarterback. They have been contenders since 2006, though they have just three playoff appearances since their Super Bowl win. New Orelans has a 7-9 record in three of their past four seasons with just one playoff appearance. Brees has spoiled Saints fans with his elite production but the Saints should move on from him so that they can prepare for their future without him.

It might be painful for the first few years without Brees; whomever replaces Brees will have huge shoes to fill. But there’s no draft lottery in the NFL. It’s better to be really bad and get a high pick than to hover around a .500 record and get a worse pick.

Of course, drafting a franchise quarterback is much harder than it sounds. Just ask the Cleveland Browns, who have been looking for one for roughly 20 years now. But with a young, talented team around their new quarterback, the transition to life without Brees could be smooth.

Next: 4. Old Age

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