Sean Payton just agreed to a five-year contract extension with the New Orleans Saints. Now, he’s really going to have to earn it. That’s because his star quarterback and first-ballot NFL Hall of Famer Drew Brees went down early in the team’s 28-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with an injured hand.
Brees returned to the sideline with his hand taped, but never re-entered the game.
Brees was injured on a pass rush from Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Donald was swatting at the ball as Brees passed it and their hands collided, with Brees’ fingers and thumb bending awkwardly. At the time, Brees was 3-for-5 for 38 yards and an interception.
Drew Brees cannot grip a football right now 😳😢 pic.twitter.com/8hellzjk9g
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) September 15, 2019
Back up Teddy Bridgewater entered the game and finished it out, but was mostly ineffective. His final stat sheet read 17-of-30 for 165 yards, no touchdowns and no picks.
Payton doesn’t know the extent of Brees’ injury, but promised to deliver an update Tuesday.
Payton says Brees was feeling pain, but wouldn’t comment much more on the injury. He said they’ll have an update in 2 days.
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) September 15, 2019
Saints and Payton agree on five-year contract extension
The day actually started pretty well for Saints head coach Sean Payton. While the financial details have not been released, he and the team reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that should keep him on the NOLA sideline through the 2025 season.
Scoopage: Saints and Sean Payton have agreed on a new 5-year extension. #breakingnews Payton loves the city, city loves him. He’s w them for half a decade @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) September 15, 2019
Payton still had a year left on the four-year, $45 million deal he signed in 2016.
As of Sunday, Payton is 119-75 in the regular season and 8-6 in the playoffs. He led the team, along with Brees, to the Super Bowl XLIV Championship over the Indianapolis Colts.
