Most of the fans’ focus is on the NFL Draft, but other big decisions loomed for the New Orleans Saints, including DT Bryan Bresee’s future. Due to Bresee being selected in the first round back in 2023, the defensive lineman had a 5th-year option on his contract. This would keep him in New Orleans until the 2028 offseason.
Since being drafted by the Saints, Bresee has had an up-and-down time on the team. He has been fairly healthy, and for two seasons, he was one of the pass rushers on the roster.
The issue was the run defense. Going into 2025, Bresee needed to show the ability to impact opposing teams’ run game, while also having to convert to a 3-4 DE in Brandon Staley’s scheme. This was going to be a tall task, but Bresee made it happen.
These strides were enough to make the Saints very happy about Bresee’s future on the roster, and today, the team picked up his 5th-year option.
As I mentioned, with the improvements Bresee made, the Saints picking up his option was likely. With this move, the Saints will be paying Bresee nearly $14 million in 2027.
With Bresee set to be on the team for at least two more seasons, the need for a defensive tackle in the draft drops a bit. New Orleans should still look to add a nose tackle, but that 3-4 DE role is in a pretty good spot for 2026. Bresee, Vernon Broughton, and Carl Granderson are a pretty decent group.
Still, adding another could go a long way, and a player like Rueben Bain Jr. at 8 would be able to play in that 3-4 DE role if need be.
