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Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints agree on contract extension

FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2016, file photo, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees passes during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. At 37, Brees’ skills do not appear diminished; he led the NFL in yards passing last season. He also is highly motivated because he is entering the final season of his contract. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File) FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2016, file photo, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees passes during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. At 37, Brees’ skills do not appear diminished; he led the NFL in yards passing last season. He also is highly motivated because he is entering the final season of his contract. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)

By Associated Press September 7, 2016 1 min read

METAIRIE, La. (AP) – Saints quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to a contract extension with the Saints and a person familiar with the deal says it will keep Brees in New Orleans through at least 2017 and guarantee him $44.3 million.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Wednesday because details of the extension had not been announced.

The contract runs for five years, starting this season, and includes a $30 million bonus that, for now, can be prorated over that period to substantially reduce the $30 million Brees’ old contract would have counted against the Saints’ salary cap this season. However, the final three seasons are voidable, meaning the Saints and Brees, who turns 38 in January, will have to revisit the possibility of another extension next year.

The deal also has a no-trade clause.

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Online: AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL