Payton: Brees deal “will get done pretty soon”

Saints coach Sean Payton said Thursday morning a new contract with quarterback Drew Brees “will get done pretty soon.”

“This isn’t the first time we’ve kind of found ourselves in this situation,” Payton said in an interview with ESPN’s Suzy Kolber and Adam Schefter at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “There’s some patience and understanding.”

Brees, who has shattered records as the Saints’ quarterback for the next 12 years and is on pace to become the NFL’s career leader in passing yardage in 2018, signed a five-year deal in 2016 with a clause that would automatically void the contract on March 14.

The additional three years were included on the contract to allow the $30 million signing bonus to be spread over five years instead of two. Assuming a deal is reached prior to March 14, the $18 million already paid to Brees but not yet accounted for on the salary cap would be incorporated into the deal.

“I don’t think about it much because I know it is going to get done,” Payton said. “I think Drew feels the same way. I think it will be done sooner than later, and it will be one less item for people to talk about.

“There’s not one reason why it hasn’t gotten done other than … Mickey (Loomis) and Tom (Condon, Brees’ agent) have done other things and will meet here. I think it will get done pretty soon.”

The scouting combine runs through Monday.