Drew Brees broke the single-season record for most passing yards in a single season on Monday night. Dan Marino, the former record holder, congratulated the Saints QB via Twitter.
Drew Brees broke the single-season record for most passing yards in a single season on Monday night. Dan Marino, the former record holder, congratulated the Saints QB via Twitter. Reuters/Sean Gardner

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints have finally ended their protracted contract negotiations with an agreement on a five-year $100 million contract that will guarantee Brees $60 million.

He will get the bulk of that money up-front with a $40 million of the guaranteed money being paid this season. The $60 million in guaranteed money in this deal ties the record for the most ever.

Brees had been franchised by the Saints for this season after his six-year $60 million contract expired, a situation Brees was unhappy with.

Last season Brees was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year. He broke Dan Marino's 27-year-old record for passing yards in a season with 5,476, and also set NFL marks for completions (468), and completion percentage (71.2%).

Last season was not just a flash in the pan. Since he joined the Saints in 2006, Brees has thrown for more yards and touchdowns, and has a higher quarterback rating than any quarterback in the NFL.

The Saints will need Brees as a leader this season after the team had its coaching staff, and defensive captain taken away from it in the wake of the bounty scandal.

National Football League