Arbitrator rules in favor of Brees

Brees, who is under the franchise tag for a second time in his career, will
receive a hefty pay raise if he is franchised for a third time. Instead of
being entitled to a 20 percent raise for a second franchise tag with one team,
he will receive a 44 percent hike for a third career franchise designation.

“We are very pleased that the arbitrator agreed with the NFLPA that the
correct interpretation of the “third time” franchise player designation in the
CBA applies across clubs, and a player’s rights will not be unfairly hindered
if different clubs designate him as a franchise player during his career,”
said the NFLPA in a statement.

Brees was first slapped with the franchise tag while a member of the San Diego
Chargers.

The Saints and Brees are still trying to iron out a long-term contract. Brees
has not attended any of the Saints’ offseason activities and has until July 16
to sign his franchise tender, which would pay him $16.3 million for the 2012
season.

“We are very happy that Drew Brees has clarification on this matter, and we
hope that it facilitates a successful negotiation for Drew and the Saints,”
the NFLPA statement concluded.

Brees, who led the Saints to the Super Bowl title after the 2009 season, is
coming off a record-setting 2011 campaign. He established new NFL marks with
5,476 passing yards, 468 completions and a 71.2 completion percentage.