"New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees said there is "no doubt in my mind" that his long-term contract with the Saints will be worked out before the start of free agency March 13.

Although the Saints could use the franchise tag on Brees to maintain some exclusive negotiating rights, Brees said Thursday it's important for both sides to get his deal done so they can focus their resources on other priority free agents, including guard Carl Nicks and receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem."