**”DEAL DONE”: New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson Reaches $789.5 Million Handshake Agreement with Drew Brees as New General Manager After Mickey Loomis’ Departure**
In a landmark move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson has reached a historic $789.5 million contract deal with former Saints quarterback Drew Brees to serve as the team’s new General Manager. This decision comes after the surprise departure of longtime GM Mickey Loomis, who has held the position for nearly two decades and has been instrumental in the team’s successes, including the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010.
The agreement, which was confirmed by the Saints organization earlier today, marks a bold new direction for the team, with Brees—a beloved figure in New Orleans—now poised to take on a front-office role that many fans never anticipated. The move has set the stage for what could be a transformative era for the Saints as they look to build on their recent successes and rebuild a championship-contending roster in a rapidly evolving NFL landscape.
### A Historic Transition
Brees, who retired as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history, was an iconic leader for the Saints for 15 seasons, making his mark as the franchise’s all-time leader in nearly every passing record. His decision to transition from the field to the front office is a significant one, and it comes with an unprecedented financial commitment from the Benson family.
“We’re excited to announce that Drew Brees will take on the role of General Manager for the New Orleans Saints,” said Gayle Benson in a statement. “Drew has been an integral part of the fabric of this team for over a decade, and his leadership, work ethic, and passion for the city of New Orleans make him the perfect fit for this role. This is a new chapter for the Saints, and I’m confident that Drew will bring the same level of excellence and dedication to the front office that he demonstrated on the field.”
The $789.5 million contract is one of the largest deals ever for an executive in professional sports. While the specifics of the contract remain private, sources close to the negotiation confirmed that the deal is structured with performance incentives tied to the team’s success on the field, including playoff appearances and potential Super Bowl victories. Brees is expected to play a central role in shaping the team’s roster, overseeing personnel decisions, and working closely with head coach Dennis Allen.
### Mickey Loomis’ Departure and the Saints’ New Era
Mickey Loomis, who served as the Saints’ General Manager for 18 years, announced his departure earlier this month, surprising many within the organization and the broader NFL community. Loomis, who was instrumental in the team’s long-term success and played a key role in bringing Brees to New Orleans in 2006, will remain with the team in a consulting capacity, but his day-to-day responsibilities will be significantly reduced.
Loomis’ decision to step away from the GM role comes after a period of transition for the Saints, who have been navigating a post-Brees era since the legendary quarterback retired following the 2020 season. Under Loomis’ leadership, the Saints had a string of successful seasons but have faced some challenges in recent years, including cap space issues and struggles at quarterback. The organization’s decision to bring Brees into the fold is viewed as a way to reinvigorate the team and continue its path toward sustained success.
“The organization and I have had long discussions about what the future holds for this team, and after careful consideration, I believe it is time for me to step away and let Drew take over,” Loomis said in a statement. “I have the utmost confidence in Drew’s ability to lead this team and make the tough decisions that are needed to bring another championship to New Orleans.”
### Drew Brees: From the Field to the Front Office
Brees’ transition into the front office marks a new phase in his relationship with the Saints. After retiring from playing in 2021, Brees spent time as a broadcaster with NBC and as a philanthropist, further cementing his status as one of the most beloved figures in New Orleans sports history. While it was always assumed that Brees would eventually return to the game in some capacity, few could have predicted this swift and significant jump to the role of General Manager.
In a statement following the announcement, Brees expressed his excitement about the new role and his commitment to continuing the Saints’ legacy of success.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled by the trust that Mrs. Benson has placed in me,” Brees said. “The New Orleans Saints have been my home for 15 years, and I am deeply committed to this organization, this city, and our fans. This is a new challenge, but I am ready to roll up my sleeves and do whatever it takes to put the best possible team on the field and bring another championship to New Orleans.”
Brees’ knowledge of the game, his deep understanding of the team’s culture, and his relationships with current players make him a uniquely qualified candidate for the GM position. He also has an intimate understanding of the intricacies of the salary cap, player evaluation, and what it takes to win at the highest level—all skills that will serve him well in his new role.
### What This Means for the Saints’ Future
Brees’ appointment as General Manager represents a significant shift in the Saints’ organizational structure. His ability to evaluate talent, combined with his experience as a leader in the locker room, could help guide the team through a rebuilding phase and into a new era of success. The Saints have a number of key decisions to make in the coming years, including finding a long-term solution at quarterback following the retirement of Brees and the departure of previous starter Jameis Winston.
Brees will also be tasked with navigating the team’s financial situation, which includes addressing cap space issues and potential restructuring of contracts in order to build a competitive roster. The Saints are currently in a transitional phase, with a young defense and a number of questions on offense. Brees’ first order of business will likely be securing a franchise quarterback, with many speculating that the team will either develop one of their current backups or make a move for a high-profile player in the offseason.
Head coach Dennis Allen, who was promoted to head coach after the departure of Sean Payton, will work closely with Brees as they look to build a team capable of contending for the playoffs in the coming seasons. “I’m excited to work alongside Drew,” Allen said. “He’s someone who understands what it takes to win, and I know he’ll bring a championship mindset to everything we do as an organization.”
### A Bold New Chapter for the Saints
The New Orleans Saints’ decision to hire Drew Brees as General Manager is a bold one, but it is also a testament to the franchise’s commitment to its legacy and its future. By handing the reins to a franchise icon who understands the team’s culture and values, the Saints have set themselves up for what they hope will be another period of sustained success.
With Brees in the front office, the Saints are sending a message to the NFL that they are ready to rebuild and reclaim their spot as one of the league’s elite teams. The coming months will undoubtedly be filled with high-stakes decisions as Brees gets to work on shaping the future of the franchise. But for now, the focus is on the future, and for the first time in many years, the Saints’ future is in the hands of one of their greatest players.
As the city of New Orleans and its fans await the next chapter, the anticipation surrounding Drew Brees’ tenure as General Manager has never been higher. The deal is done—now, the real work begins.
