New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints' contract breakdown by position: Quarterbacks

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

So obviously the Saints only carry two quarterbacks on their roster at present. The two guys that are put in charge play two very different roles. Sean Payton of course loves offense, so if you’ve made the team here in New Orleans that is an accomplishment. Breaking down both contracts leaves a lot of questions actually.

Next: Luke McCown- 2 years $3 Million

NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 01: Luke McCown

So Luke McCown is now in his 13th season as an NFL quarterback. McCown was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college ball at Louisiana Tech and broke many passing records there. Since then he’s landed in Tampa, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Atlanta, and finally back to New Orleans. He’s definitely been a steadying force behind Drew Brees.

In 2015, he actually got his first start with the Black and Gold and almost defeated the Carolina Panthers at the very end of the game. Of course, as long as Drew Brees is still here, McCown will simply not see the field. The interesting thing about his contract is that it expires in the same year as Brees in 2018. He’s making approximately $1.5 million per year with $500,000 guaranteed. His salary is also broken up slightly over two years.

McCown is two years younger than Brees. Once Brees turns 40 you never know. He’s very familiar with the system and has proven that the big stage does not rattle him.

Oct 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks to pass as San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Tourek Williams (58) pressures during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

What hasn’t been said about Drew Brees. Drew Brees will probably go down as the single greatest pickup in free agent history. Surely, there’s no debate that Brees will go into the Hall of Fame one day in Canton. The Saints once again inked a deal that would at least keep Brees here through 2018.

His contract is $24.25 million with a nice signing bonus of $30 million, which is split up through the year 2020. It’s a little complicated, but this should help.

Notice that there is a no trade clause and a no franchise tag added in the contract notes. Who Dat Nation can be assured that Brees will be at least signed through next year. Of course, there is a lot that can happen as far as next year. Do the Saints start grooming a young quarterback? Do they let McCown take over for a year or two?

The future may be a little bit more clearer by week eight depending how the Saints’ record ends up. Sean Payton knows one thing for sure. Another 7-9 record will surely bring plenty of clamoring for the Saints to make some move for the future.