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Brees, Saints have been negotiating “non-stop”

Tennessee Titans v New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 01: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks during their pre season game against the Tennessee Titans dthe New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on September 1, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Photo by Sean Gardner/ Getty Images)

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With Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Mike Vick locking up long-term deals and with all other high-end quarterbacks not close enough to the end of their current contracts to trigger discussions on an extension, Saints quarterback Drew Brees remains the biggest name on deck for a new contract.

Two weeks ago, we reported that a “huge gap” exists between the two sides. Amid recent public comments from both Brees and agent Tom Condon regarding the talks, a source with knowledge of the situation tells us that negotiations have been occurring “non-stop.”

Per the source, if a deal isn’t completed within the next week, talks could be shut down until after the season -- adding that it will be a “close call” as to whether an agreement is reached in the short term.

Though Brees can separate football and business, the contract talks could become a distraction if the Saints lose to the Bears on Sunday and fall to 0-2. At some point, both sides will want to table the issue and focus exclusively on winning games.

If the discussions are suspended, both sides assume risk. Brees, if he suffers a significant injury, will see his leverage drop. If, on the other hand, he emerges unscathed, the price to keep him likely will go way up.