From simply a football perspective, the New Orleans Saints have managed to conjure up an offseason that is worse than their 2005 ordeal. The horrible (and far more significant) Katrina tragedy forced the Saints into a state of homelessness while they played their season as perpetual visitors.
Now, the streets of the city may be clear and the Super Dome may be fully intact, but the team itself remains in shambles.
Already without Sean Payton and Jonathan Vilma for the entirety of 2012, Saints ownership has emerged from a scandal filled winter with an NBA franchise instead of the cornerstone of their entire offense.
Now in June, Brees remains an unsigned franchise player. Thanks to the tag label, he is unable to negotiate elsewhere.
Holdouts in professional sports are not uncommon; however, in light of the Saints current issues it would be wise for Saints brass to bring their leader back into the fold as soon as possible.
Brees threw for 5,476 yards in 2011 and accounted for 46 TDs. While the offense was and will theoretically remain the strength of the franchise, it was aided by a formidable defense. Without said defense, Brees's ability and leadership should be a bigger priority for the organization.
The fact that Brees has yet to be signed is quite puzzling. Yes, he is likely to cave before the regular season even if all of his demands are not met. However, a team that is without its true head coach for all of the season (and it's GM for half) needs an established leader from day one of OTAs. Perhaps the Saints should cut their losses and surrender the cash.
