Drew Brees, Saints agree to terms on contract extension

Armed with an exceptional dose of leverage, Drew Brees imposed a negotiating deadline that succeeded in spurring action for a lucrative new contract.

The New Orleans Saints have agreed in principle with Brees on a one-year contract extension, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, via a source informed of the deal. He'll receive $44.25 million fully guaranteed over the next two years, Rapoport added.

Content to earn $19.75 million in the final season of a five-year, $100 million contract, Brees warned that he would cease negotiations once the season kicks off this weekend. He held inordinate leverage with knowledge that the 2017 franchise tag would carry a prohibitive cap charge of $43.2…