A different look at a possible Brees decision

[aqualuv]

I am just like the rest of you. I have been sitting here wondering why in the world Brees would even be entertaining a New Orleans offer. It finally hit me that we may not be looking at the "big picture". OK, now hear me out before you call me a loon. I heard on TV the other night, that only roughly 340,000 people are living in the New Orleans area. There is no way in the world that a city of that size can support an NFL franchise. I know that everyone is saying the right things right now but I can see the New Orleans ownership making a play to move the Saints out of that city. OK, now where did they play their "home" games last year? Yep, San Antonio. OK, now where is Drew Brees from? Austin, Texas. That is about 2 hours or so outside of San Antonio. Maybe they are trying to sell him on becoming the "hometown hero" of the new San Antonio franchise in a year or two. That would be a pretty hard benefit to pass up when you package that with 40+ millions dollars. Any thoughts?

 

[Joey 22]

I dont think the league would allow the aints to move, that city has gone through enough to now lose their franchise.

 

[AtticusFinz]

I am just like the rest of you. I have been sitting here wondering why in the world Brees would even be entertaining a New Orleans offer. It finally hit me that we may not be looking at the "big picture". OK, now hear me out before you call me a loon. I heard on TV the other night, that only roughly 340,000 people are living in the New Orleans area. There is no way in the world that a city of that size can support an NFL franchise. I know that everyone is saying the right things right now but I can see the New Orleans ownership making a play to move the Saints out of that city. OK, now where did they play their "home" games last year? Yep, San Antonio. OK, now where is Drew Brees from? Austin, Texas. That is about 2 hours or so outside of San Antonio. Maybe they are trying to sell him on becoming the "hometown hero" of the new San Antonio franchise in a year or two. That would be a pretty hard benefit to pass up when you package that with 40+ millions dollars. Any thoughts?

actually i hear they move to LA-Saints

 

[Ronnie Bass]

Aren't they in NO until 2009 at least? I thought that's what I read.

That would mean the earliest they could bail the Big Easy is 2010, in four years. I doubt Brees would be that patient.

 

[jcaponio]

Its fairly obvious that Brees doesnt know for sure if his arm is going to hold up, which means this could he his last big payday. If thats the case, its his last chance to make great money, and he is leaning towards signing with the team that offers him the most cash. Can't blame the guy for that....

 

[aqualuv]

Actually, I just had a friend get back from a habitat project down there and he told me that the place is still in ruins. There is nobody there to support this team. I can't see the NFL supporting this franchise with money just to keep them in New Orleans and that is what would have to happen to keep them there. I also have a friend in San Antonio and the buzz around town is that they are getting the Saints when they have to leave New Orleans. They were actually passing out interest forms for season tickets to gauge what kind of numbers they would be looking at. He got one and filled it out and sent it back in. They were honestly expecting them to move there last year.

 

[DolfanDaveInMI]

I am just like the rest of you. I have been sitting here wondering why in the world Brees would even be entertaining a New Orleans offer. It finally hit me that we may not be looking at the "big picture". OK, now hear me out before you call me a loon. I heard on TV the other night, that only roughly 340,000 people are living in the New Orleans area. There is no way in the world that a city of that size can support an NFL franchise. I know that everyone is saying the right things right now but I can see the New Orleans ownership making a play to move the Saints out of that city. OK, now where did they play their "home" games last year? Yep, San Antonio. OK, now where is Drew Brees from? Austin, Texas. That is about 2 hours or so outside of San Antonio. Maybe they are trying to sell him on becoming the "hometown hero" of the new San Antonio franchise in a year or two. That would be a pretty hard benefit to pass up when you package that with 40+ millions dollars. Any thoughts?

(1) New Orleans will play its preseason games at LSU and its regular season games at the Superdome. San Antonio is out of the picture for this season.

(2) Paul Tagliabue has made clear that if the Saints want to move, it won't be to San Antonio. Despite Benson's wishes and the strong local fan support, the stadium picture there isn't much better than it is in New Orleans. Yeah, there's more money in San Antonio -- SBC, Valero, a new Toyota plant -- and a regional marketing strategy with Austin could bump the area close to the middle in population base, but the next team that relocates is going to Los Angeles. Unfortunately...

(3) Jerry Jones will never allow an NFC rival to set up in Texas. Heck, he wasn't happy when Houston came back in the AFC. He views Texas as his turf and he's had training camp in San Antonio a couple of times to solidify the Cowboys' fan base there. After Jones' role in delivering the new CBA, Tagliabue isn't going to roll him on this.

 

[aqualuv]

Good discussion guys. I like hearing eveyone's different views.

 

[Joey 22]

(3) Jerry Jones will never allow an NFC rival to set up in Texas. Heck, he wasn't happy when Houston came back in the AFC. He views Texas as his turf and he's had training camp in San Antonio a couple of times to solidify the Cowboys' fan base there. After Jones' role in delivering the new CBA, Tagliabue isn't going to roll him on this.

Well done I consider myself a very knowledgeable fan but I never thought of Jones, Great input!!!!

 

[Phinadict]

Its fairly obvious that Brees doesnt know for sure if his arm is going to hold up, which means this could he his last big payday. If thats the case, its his last chance to make great money, and he is leaning towards signing with the team that offers him the most cash. Can't blame the guy for that....

but in the same tolken, he could be thinking the same thing about his chances to win a Superbowl, in which case the only right thing for him to do is to visit NO as a last chance to drive the price up prior to his visit with us.

If he comes here and signs on the dottedl ine, great! Superb!

If he doesn't......who's next please? I am off the bandwagon of thinking that one player is going to make or break our team. We now have a leadership team that is going to do whats right for the team (long and short term), so whatever we end up with (even if it's Gus) I firmly believe we will be better tahn we were last year.

With the taste of medocraty still swilling around in my mouth, I welcome the birth of higher expectations on this team.

I love that no matter who is playing QB, work will be done to play to their strengths, and out team will continue to improve. What a change!!!

So if it's Brees, great! Superb! If it's Culpepper, wonderful! Welcome home! If it's McCown, nice pickup coach! He will do well here!

It doesn't matter to me anymore. I just want to see the product that our leadership team puts on the field each year, and be able to revel in the process changes that are brining about our return to the top!

 

[Smirk]

heard on TV the other night, that only roughly 340,000 people are living in the New Orleans area.

You heard wrong. I swear I don't know where people get this stuff. There are WELL over 300,000 living in my little suburb about a mile from a levee breach (on the good side). The "metro area" has about a million. The city itself is the part that was severely damaged and has only about 200k.

I rarely respond on other teams message boards, but the absolute arrogance by many on this forum just got me riled up.

Someone would sign with the Saints over the Dolphins????!???!!!!!???

WHY??? I mean, the Dolphins did just win the last 5 Super Bowls in a row. Oh wait...

Come on guys. Saban does have you guys on the way up. But you aren't exactly the Patriots. Miami is a great town. A lot of guys would love to sign there I'm sure. But this is a business. Its about $ and the right fit. Maybe Drew will love Miami and Saban. Maybe he won't. The fact of the matter is that there are only 32 starting QB jobs in the NFL, and he's going to go where he's a) wanted, b) where the money is and c) where he thinks he fits in. He's not going to disregard the Saints because "they are the Saints" and you are the mighty Fightin' Phins.

The team will be here until at least 2010, so there isn't really concern over the future. The city is getting better every day. We already have 25,000 season tickets sold, which at this point without any advertising is pretty darn good for us. We didn't have that many sold last year until July, I think.

And personally...I would rather Leinart. I want the Saints to get the franchise QB, not get the guy who is good, but was also playing with LT, Gates, and now has a suspect shoulder. So I'm not going to be upset at all if Drew goes to Miami. I wish Saban all the luck in the world and I hope he wins a championship for you guys.

But some of you need a reality check. The NFL is a BUSINESS and there are only 32 entities. Players aren't nearly as concerned with the history of a team and whether they went to a Super Bowl 20 years ago. This is business.

 

[marino2duper73]

You heard wrong. I swear I don't know where people get this stuff. There are WELL over 300,000 living in my little suburb about a mile from a levee breach (on the good side). The "metro area" has about a million. The city itself is the part that was severely damaged and has only about 200k.

I rarely respond on other teams message boards, but the absolute arrogance by many on this forum just got me riled up.

Someone would sign with the Saints over the Dolphins????!???!!!!!???

WHY??? I mean, the Dolphins did just win the last 5 Super Bowls in a row. Oh wait...

Come on guys. Saban does have you guys on the way up. But you aren't exactly the Patriots. Miami is a great town. A lot of guys would love to sign there I'm sure. But this is a business. Its about $ and the right fit. Maybe Drew will love Miami and Saban. Maybe he won't. The fact of the matter is that there are only 32 starting QB jobs in the NFL, and he's going to go where he's a) wanted, b) where the money is and c) where he thinks he fits in. He's not going to disregard the Saints because "they are the Saints" and you are the mighty Fightin' Phins.

The team will be here until at least 2010, so there isn't really concern over the future. The city is getting better every day. We already have 25,000 season tickets sold, which at this point without any advertising is pretty darn good for us. We didn't have that many sold last year until July, I think.

And personally...I would rather Leinart. I want the Saints to get the franchise QB, not get the guy who is good, but was also playing with LT, Gates, and now has a suspect shoulder. So I'm not going to be upset at all if Drew goes to Miami. I wish Saban all the luck in the world and I hope he wins a championship for you guys.

But some of you need a reality check. The NFL is a BUSINESS and there are only 32 entities. Players aren't nearly as concerned with the history of a team and whether they went to a Super Bowl 20 years ago. This is business.

The majority of those season tickets are Bulk purchasing done by radio stations, tv stations, and other businesses trying to boost actual fan purchasing of season tickets...IMO , how can a community think about season tickets when they are thinking about how to rebuild or relocate their homes? New Orleans will be a charity venue for the NFL to reap the benefits...I know it seems harsh, but as you said, it's a business. Tagliabue looks at New Orleans as a team ONLY because other teams play there..

 

[Smirk]

The majority of those season tickets are Bulk purchasing done by radio stations, tv stations, and other businesses trying to boost actual fan purchasing of season tickets..

Where did you get that garbage?

If anything its the opposite. Rita Benson herself said the fan ticket sales were "awesome" but they were still worried about business sales.

 

[Ronnie Bass]

You heard wrong. I swear I don't know where people get this stuff. There are WELL over 300,000 living in my little suburb about a mile from a levee breach (on the good side). The "metro area" has about a million. The city itself is the part that was severely damaged and has only about 200k.

I rarely respond on other teams message boards, but the absolute arrogance by many on this forum just got me riled up.

Someone would sign with the Saints over the Dolphins????!???!!!!!???

WHY??? I mean, the Dolphins did just win the last 5 Super Bowls in a row. Oh wait...

Come on guys. Saban does have you guys on the way up. But you aren't exactly the Patriots. Miami is a great town. A lot of guys would love to sign there I'm sure. But this is a business. Its about $ and the right fit. Maybe Drew will love Miami and Saban. Maybe he won't. The fact of the matter is that there are only 32 starting QB jobs in the NFL, and he's going to go where he's a) wanted, b) where the money is and c) where he thinks he fits in. He's not going to disregard the Saints because "they are the Saints" and you are the mighty Fightin' Phins.

The team will be here until at least 2010, so there isn't really concern over the future. The city is getting better every day. We already have 25,000 season tickets sold, which at this point without any advertising is pretty darn good for us. We didn't have that many sold last year until July, I think.

And personally...I would rather Leinart. I want the Saints to get the franchise QB, not get the guy who is good, but was also playing with LT, Gates, and now has a suspect shoulder. So I'm not going to be upset at all if Drew goes to Miami. I wish Saban all the luck in the world and I hope he wins a championship for you guys.

But some of you need a reality check. The NFL is a BUSINESS and there are only 32 entities. Players aren't nearly as concerned with the history of a team and whether they went to a Super Bowl 20 years ago. This is business.

A rather good post.

 

[McDolphins]

You heard wrong. I swear I don't know where people get this stuff. There are WELL over 300,000 living in my little suburb about a mile from a levee breach (on the good side). The "metro area" has about a million. The city itself is the part that was severely damaged and has only about 200k.

I rarely respond on other teams message boards, but the absolute arrogance by many on this forum just got me riled up.

Someone would sign with the Saints over the Dolphins????!???!!!!!???

WHY??? I mean, the Dolphins did just win the last 5 Super Bowls in a row. Oh wait...

Come on guys. Saban does have you guys on the way up. But you aren't exactly the Patriots. Miami is a great town. A lot of guys would love to sign there I'm sure. But this is a business. Its about $ and the right fit. Maybe Drew will love Miami and Saban. Maybe he won't. The fact of the matter is that there are only 32 starting QB jobs in the NFL, and he's going to go where he's a) wanted, b) where the money is and c) where he thinks he fits in. He's not going to disregard the Saints because "they are the Saints" and you are the mighty Fightin' Phins.

The team will be here until at least 2010, so there isn't really concern over the future. The city is getting better every day. We already have 25,000 season tickets sold, which at this point without any advertising is pretty darn good for us. We didn't have that many sold last year until July, I think.

And personally...I would rather Leinart. I want the Saints to get the franchise QB, not get the guy who is good, but was also playing with LT, Gates, and now has a suspect shoulder. So I'm not going to be upset at all if Drew goes to Miami. I wish Saban all the luck in the world and I hope he wins a championship for you guys.

But some of you need a reality check. The NFL is a BUSINESS and there are only 32 entities. Players aren't nearly as concerned with the history of a team and whether they went to a Super Bowl 20 years ago. This is business.

Let's not mistake "arrogance" with "ignorance" here. About 99% of us have no idea what the NO area looks like first-hand, and with the mellow-dramatic spins that the media puts on the stories they want to sell, you can only blame the outsiders reading the stories so much, because those are the only reports that are really getting back to us.

So calm the f**k down.

Secondly, I see the Saints being in the same situation (team-wise) as the Fins were in last year: One really bad year, due in large part to a major circumstance beyond their control (not that Im comparing Ricky's retirement to a level 5 hurricane in ANY way...like I said, this is a team comparison) after years of having the talent but under-achieving, and the rest of the league, media and all, are ready to write them off. The FAs that visit know they'll be playing with the likes of Joe Horn, Deuce McAlister, Stallworth and a helluvan O-line (even without Bentley). The big area of uncertainty you have that we didnt is your new coach. We had Saban's college record, as well as high praise from well-respected coaches in the league to build confidence off of and help us in the FA market last year. Ive got nothing against Sean Peyton, but his lack of a recognizable name and lack of HC experience might very well hurt you in free agency this offseason. Therefore, it might take at least a year for your boys to gain some serious credibility (though it's nothing a winning season cant fix). In that regard, I think we have the upper hand on getting Brees, and, considering Peyton is a QB's coach, this is more than likely just a move to garner up publicity to get other FAs to visit.