Brees: Mindset has always been to stay a Saint

METAIRIE, La. - Drew Brees said he doesn't plan on testing the free agent market this year or waiting until the start of the new league year on March 14 to sign a new contract with the New Orleans Saints - even if that means losing the leverage that might come with other potential suitors.

"I'm not in the mood to make anything secretive," Brees said with a laugh, when asked about being chased down by the media for months with questions about his contract. "It's the same way I felt two days ago. It's the same way I felt 12 years ago. That is that I'll be here as long as they'll have me, hopefully."

Brees and Saints coach Sean Payton both stressed, however, that two days into the off-season is…