Saints quarterback Drew Brees has a self-imposed negotiating deadline for working out a new contract with the club, and that day (Sunday's season opener) is rapidly approaching.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Brees and the Saints "have made significant progress on an extension" over the past few days. Both sides are hoping the deal can get done before Sunday, while NFL.com's Mike Garafolo reports that a deal could get done by Wednesday when Brees and the Saints are scheduled to meet.
Garafolo added that Brees wishes to lower his cap number for 2016 to prevent a situation where the team has to decide whether to give him the franchise tag for about $43 million next year.