5 scenarios on how the Drew Brees-Saints situation pans out

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Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) walks toward the field before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Worst-Case: Saints take chances, let Brees hit the open market

With a quarterback as prized as Drew Brees, you can’t expect any type of back-loaded deal that would benefit the Saints tremendously for the salary cap, and you can also bet that there will be other suitors interested if he were to ever hit the open market. While the Saints would have a window of opportunity to sign Brees from January to March before free agency starts, could the team be looking elsewhere?

Realistic teams that could be in the market for a quarterback in 2017 would include the New York Jets, Washington Redskins, and the Buffalo Bills. You could even make an argument for teams like the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and Cleveland Browns to all have heavy interest for Brees’ services.

While this scenario is some seven months away, the longer it takes the Saints to get Brees locked up and if indeed he abides by his creed of not focusing on a contract during the regular season, this could be the biggest talking point heading into 2017.

Next: The wild card plan