Report: Saints, Brees expected to finalize 2-year deal Tuesday

Zach Strief's retirement announcement Monday may have played a significant role in allowing the New Orleans Saints to keep their quarterback.

The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees are expected to finalize a two-year deal Tuesday, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The two sides reportedly made significant progress toward an agreement Monday, when Brees and team staff were in attendance for Strief's retirement press conference.

Brees had insisted all along that he wouldn't be playing anywhere but New Orleans in 2018, but he was free to negotiate with other teams when the legal tampering window opened Monday. Teams such as the NFC finalist Minnesota Vikings were among those to reportedly reach out.

The 39-year-old has spent the past 12 seasons with the Saints. He's been named to 10 Pro Bowls, made first-team All-Pro in 2006, and won Super Bowl XLIV. Over 17 seasons in the NFL, he's totaled 70,445 yards and 488 touchdowns on a completion percentage of 66.9. He was originally drafted 32nd overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2001.