"Earlier this week, Saints quarterback Drew Brees said that talks on an extension of his contract has been tabled until after the season, in order to prevent the situation from becoming a distraction.

But it will eventually become a significant distraction, if the two sides can't get a deal done when the season ends. Absent a new contract, the Saints definitely will apply the franchise tag to Brees. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Brees will not sign it.

If he doesn't sign it, he won't be under contract — and he won't be required to attend offseason workouts, training camp, or preseason games."