According to Jason Cole of the Bleacher Report, the Saints’ decision to draft QB Garrett Grayson was due in part to concerns regarding Drew Brees and a “noticeable decline” in ability over the past two years.
Cole mentions that these concerns stem in large part to Brees’ play from last year, as he saw increases in both interceptions and sacks taken in 2014. New Orleans is reportedly concerned whether Brees will be able to make it through the final two years of his contract if there continues to be a dip in his overall production.
Cole stresses that the Saints plan to stick with Brees this year and still view him as their best option when it comes to competing over the next few years.
However, New Orleans will likely do everything they can to get Grayson ready to play sooner rather than later.
Brees, 36, still has another two years remaining on his five-year, $100 million contract that included $40 million guaranteed. He stands to make base salaries of $18.75 million and $19.75 million over the next two years.
It’s worth mentioning that Brees carries cap figures of $26.4 million (2015) and $27.4 million (2016).
In 2014, Brees appeared in all 16 games for the Saints and threw for 4,952 yards while completing 69.2 percent of his passes to go along with 33 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 2 quarterback out of 39 qualifying players.
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