February 23rd, 2012 
Matt Loede 
Posted in Drew Brees said he is “still very optimistic” that he can work out a new long-term contract with the team in the coming weeks.
He said “this is definitely when things heat up,” with the NFL’s franchise-tag deadline looming on March 5th and the start of free agency set for March 13.
Brees said he’s not surprised by the pace of negotiations so far. He said he understands that the Saints have a lot on their plate right now. And more importantly, he understands that these types of talks usually don’t speed up until closer to the deadline.
“There’s no doubt in my mind we’ll get a deal done,” said Brees, who said he expects his agent Tom Condon and Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis to continue their talks during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis this week.
When asked if he is worried that the two sides might still be “very far apart” in their philosophies on a new deal, however, Brees said no.
“I wouldn’t say we’re ‘very far’ apart. I think there’s been progress made,” Brees said. “But just like everything it’s a process. It takes time. It’s not something that happens overnight.”
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