Drew Brees will not report to training camp or sign on the franchise tender, if the New Orleans Saints do not have an agreeable long-term contract in place by the July 16 deadline.
Saints have put the franchise tag on Brees, meaning he will play next season for $16.371 million, if he signs the tender. However, according to ESPN.com, Breese has made it clear he will not sign the tender or report to training camp when it begins on July 24.
Sources also revealed Brees might leave the Saints management guessing on whether the quarterback will report on time for the team's first regular season game on September 9.
Arbitrator Stephen Burbank ruled in favor of Brees last week, saying a player cannot be franchised more than three times during his career. Since this year's tag will be the second time, Brees is entitled to a 44 per cent increase to the $23.57 salary next season, if he is franchised for a third time in 2013.
Although highly unlikely, If Brees does not sign the tender before the Tuesday after the 10th game of the regular season; the quarterback would be prevented from playing any part in the remainder of the season.
According to sources, the Saints have offered Brees a long-term deal worth $19.3 million a year, slightly more than the $19.2 million the Denver Broncos paid Peyton Manning.
Brees wants at least $20.5 million a year, saying he has earned that figure after leading the Saints to Super Bowl victory in 2009. However, New Orleans are refusing to budge from their offer, saying the $19.3 million is enough to make him the highest-paid quarterback in the National Football League.
Brees has played with the Saints in the past six seasons, averaging about $10 million a year. With the Monday deadline looming, it is understood, both parties are still a long way from coming to an agreement.
