Wednesday 17 January 2018 12:03, UK
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is ready to commit his future with the franchise despite their exit from the playoffs on Sunday.
The Saints' season came to an end on Sunday following a last-gasp 29-24 defeat to Minnesota Vikings in the NFC divisional playoff game.
The 39-year-old's five-year $100m contract is close to expiring, but he is not contemplating a departure from the franchise he has represented since 2005.
Brees said: "I'm not in the mood to make anything secretive. It's the same way I felt two days ago. It's the same way I felt 12 years ago. That is that I'll be here as long as they'll have me, hopefully."
The quarterback, who last signed a one-year contract extension after the 2016 season, is open for free agency on March 16, when the other 31 NFL teams could approach him with their own contract offers.
Because of a clause in his current contract, the Saints cannot use the franchise tag to retain Brees, so retaining him means a multi-year agreement.
But the quarterback's thoughts remain solely with his current franchise.
"We're just two days removed, so I really haven't given it a ton of thought - other than, I know where my mindset's been the whole time and that's that I'll be here." Brees said.
"I feel like we have a great window of opportunity. I think we do have a talented team, I know that each year you have to go out and prove it."
Despite the defeat in the NFC Divisional playoff game on Sunday, Brees is positive about the future of the Saints.
Speaking post-match on Sunday, Brees said: "I think you look back at the things we accomplished and some of the memories that were made and the relationships that were built and the way this team came together. It really leaves me excited for the future of Saints football."
Brees threw 23 touchdowns this regular season, his lowest return since 2003, as the Vikings defeated the Saints to set up the NFC Championship game with the Philadelphia Eagles.
