Sean Payton says he has agreed to new five-year deal with New Orleans Saints
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Sean Payton is carrying his job security around in his small black briefcase.
The New Orleans Saints coach said Wednesday morning he has agreed to a new five-year contract with the team, he just has yet to sign the papers, which he is currently carrying around with him at the NFL owners meetings.
The new contract, once officially signed, would help finally end the months of speculation about his future with the Saints. He spent several days meeting with general manager Mickey Loomis following the conclusion of the 2015 season and the two men agreed Payton would return.
“We were confident we would be where we are right now,” Payton said.
But it’s not just Payton who should be signing a new deal soon. He said contract negotiations are ongoing with quarterback Drew Brees on a new deal. Brees is set to play the final year of his contract in 2016, and his current deal carries a $30 million salary cap hit for the Saints.
“It always take a little longer than you want,” Payton said on the Brees talks.
But Payton seems quite confident that deal will get done, the final piece of locking up what he called “the triangle” of himself, Brees and Loomis.
“That stability, I don’t take it for granted,” Payton said.