QB Drew Brees says his contract negotiations with the New Orleans Saints have become "extremely frustrating."
The Saints placed the exclusive rights franchise tag on Brees in March and the sides have until July 16 to hammer out a long-term extension.
Brees said Wednesday in an interview with WWL radio in New Orleans that he doesn't know why the sides haven't been able to work out a deal yet.
"It's been extremely frustrating for me," Brees said. "I don't think the negotiations should have been this difficult."
Brees, who has not attended the team's offseason program, says he's committed to getting a deal done, but is frustrated by what he perceives to be a lack of communication from the team.
"What's been a little frustrating on my end, or disappointing, is the lack of communication," the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year said. "We've reached out on quite a few occasions and at times I know I've been frustrated with the lack of response."
While Brees said he wants to return to the team as soon as possible, he raised the possibility of missing minicamp and even training camp if he does not reach a long-term extension that he believes is appropriate.
This situation is already ugly and has the potential to get even uglier if Brees decides to hold out instead of playing on the one-year tender. While he's still likely to have a great fantasy season, it's not unreasonable to move Brees down the draft board due to his increased risk.
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