"New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis had this to say Monday about the free agency of quarterback Drew Brees. Loomis said negotiations, put on hold at Brees' request during the season, had not yet recommenced but he expects they will soon.

"I don't think that there's any additional pressure," he said. "This is a player we value a lot, more than any other player in the history of our team. I don't know that pressure is the right word. We want to get him signed. We made an effort with Drew prior to last season, even at the beginning of last season. I understand his desire to table that until after the season and hopefully we can get going right away and get that buttoned up. It has got to be the right deal for him and obviously the club as well. That'll come eventually.""