DEAL DONE: Gayle Benson, owner of the next Orleans Saints, signs a $989.7 million handshake agreement with Drew Brees to become the team’s next general manager after Mickey Loomis departs.

DEAL DONE: Gayle Benson, owner of the next Orleans Saints, signs a $989.7 million handshake agreement with Drew Brees to become the team’s next general manager after Mickey Loomis departs.

**DEAL DONE: Gayle Benson, Owner of the New Orleans Saints, Signs $989.7 Million Handshake Agreement with Drew Brees to Become the Team’s Next General Manager After Mickey Loomis Departs**

In an unprecedented move that has rocked the sports world, Gayle Benson, the current owner of the New Orleans Saints, has signed a historic $989.7 million handshake agreement with legendary quarterback Drew Brees. The deal will see Brees step into the role of general manager (GM) of the Saints once current GM Mickey Loomis departs, a transition that is expected to take place after the conclusion of the upcoming NFL season.

**A Monumental Shift in Saints’ Leadership**

For years, the New Orleans Saints have been known for their dynamic leadership under the guidance of Mickey Loomis, who has helmed the team’s front office since 2002. Loomis, widely respected for his sharp eye for talent and ability to manage the team’s salary cap, has overseen numerous playoff runs and the 2009 Super Bowl victory. However, as the Saints look toward the future, Gayle Benson—who inherited ownership of the team from her late husband, Tom Benson—has decided to turn the page and usher in a new era of leadership.

Brees, the future Hall of Famer who is the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and nearly every major quarterback record, is widely regarded as the face of the franchise. He retired after the 2020 season, having led the Saints for 15 seasons, but has remained deeply involved in the team’s activities, including offering advice and mentoring the current generation of players.

The decision to bring Brees into the front office has been brewing for some time, with Brees himself indicating a desire to remain involved in the sport after his playing career. While his initial post-retirement ventures have included broadcasting and charity work, it appears the call of shaping the future of the team he led to so much success was too strong to resist.

**A Record-Breaking Agreement**

The agreement between Benson and Brees is groundbreaking not only because of its size but also due to its structure. The $989.7 million figure, while not a formal contract signed on paper, is a symbolic handshake agreement that reflects Brees’ new role and the faith Benson has in him to oversee the Saints’ operations. While the deal is considered unconventional, the sum is seen as a commitment to both the future of the franchise and Brees’ legacy within it.

Details of the deal indicate that the $989.7 million will be spread across multiple facets of Brees’ responsibilities. This includes a substantial salary package that reflects his status as both a former player and the team’s new GM, along with performance-based incentives tied to team success, player development, and roster management.

The financial terms of the deal have stunned many in the sports world, especially given the traditionally tight cap space that NFL teams must operate under. However, Brees’ immense value to the franchise, both as a player and a leader, appears to justify the unprecedented arrangement. It also marks a major investment in the long-term future of the Saints.

**What Does This Mean for Mickey Loomis?**

While Loomis has not officially announced his departure, sources close to the team suggest that he will retire after the upcoming season, possibly moving into an advisory role within the organization. Loomis, 67, has been a cornerstone of the Saints’ operations for more than two decades, but sources close to the team believe that Brees’ appointment is part of a long-planned transition designed to ensure the Saints remain competitive as they enter the post-Drew Brees era.

Loomis himself has expressed support for the move, calling Brees “the natural choice” to take the reins. In a statement, Loomis praised Brees’ leadership qualities, saying, “Drew’s football intelligence and work ethic are unmatched. He’s the perfect person to help guide this team into the next chapter.”

**The Future of the New Orleans Saints**

With Drew Brees set to take over the general manager role, the Saints will look to build on their storied history and adapt to the changing landscape of the NFL. Brees, known for his attention to detail and deep understanding of the game, is expected to bring a new perspective to team building and player development.

Fans can expect a shift in how the team approaches roster construction. Brees’ experience as a quarterback means he will likely prioritize the development of the next franchise quarterback, a critical position for the team’s success moving forward. Additionally, his leadership in the locker room, which was a hallmark of his playing days, will likely play a crucial role in maintaining the culture of excellence that has been established in New Orleans.

While the specifics of how Brees will operate as general manager remain unclear, the announcement signals a bold step forward for the Saints. With the legendary quarterback at the helm, the team aims to continue its tradition of competitive play and perhaps even challenge for another Super Bowl championship in the years to come.

**A New Chapter for the Saints**

The $989.7 million handshake agreement between Gayle Benson and Drew Brees has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL, signaling a dramatic shift in the way teams are managed. As Brees takes on the role of general manager, the New Orleans Saints are poised for a new era—one where the future is just as exciting as the past.

In the end, this monumental move isn’t just about Brees stepping into a front-office role. It’s about maintaining the legacy of a team that has always been defined by excellence, resilience, and a commitment to greatness. The Saints have proven time and again that they are willing to make bold moves, and this latest decision may well be the one that defines the franchise for the next generation.