Report: Saints, Brees nearing contract extension

If recent reports are true, the New Orleans Saints could be closing in on locking up their quarterback of the present into the near future.

Pro Football Talk reported Tuesday night that the Saints and star quarterback Drew Brees are nearing a contract extension.

PFT cited a league source, saying the two sides are close.

The website says the contract could be close to $24.594 million annually, which is what Andrew Luck received from the Indianapolis Colts.

NFL insider Ed Werder later confirmed the report, adding that he believes the deal will not be a long-term, record-breaking contract.

“Looks like something could get done ... Expect it to get done next 48 hours or not at all,” he reported in a series of tweets.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport added there’s “optimism” and that the two sides have mad “significant progress.”

The timing of the news is huge considering Brees has maintained he does not want to negotiate during the season, which starts Sunday for the Saints with a home opener against the Oakland Raiders.

The 15-year veteran is in the final year of a five-year, $100 million deal. According to CBS’ Jason La Canfora, Brees is seeking an extension in the neighborhood of $100 million over four years.

Should the 37-year-old quarterback sign a multi-year deal with New Orleans, he’ll likely be able to do what he’s said all along: Retire a Saint.

The clock’s ticking to make that wish come true.

This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 12:11 AM with the headline "Report: Saints, Brees nearing contract extension."