$13.94 MILLION: New Orleans Makes a Massive Decision on Bryan Bresee’s Future!
METAIRIE, LA – In a move that has sent quiet but significant ripples through the NFL’s financial landscape, the New Orleans Saints have officially exercised the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Bryan Bresee. While the transaction appeared procedural on the surface, the guaranteed dollar figure attached to it—$13.94 million for the 2027 season—has sparked fresh debate about value, potential, and what the Saints truly see in their former first-round pick.
According to salary cap data from OverTheCap.com, Bresee’s option falls under the “basic” tier, the cheapest possible classification for first-round picks having their contracts extended. This tier is reserved for players who did not meet specific playing time or Pro Bowl thresholds. In Bresee’s case, despite flashes of disruptive interior pass rush, he hasn’t logged enough snaps to qualify for the higher-priced “standard” or “elite” tiers.
But here’s where the number gets interesting: at $13.94 million, Bresee would rank as approximately the 24th-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league today. That places him firmly in the “solid starter” financial tier—sandwiched between veteran run-stuffers and ascending young stars—despite a résumé that many analysts consider incomplete.
Why the Saints Pulled the Trigger
For general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Dennis Allen, the decision was less about what Bresee has done and more about what they believe he can become. Selected 29th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Bresee arrived with a complicated medical history (including a torn ACL in 2021 and a kidney infection that cost him significant time in 2022) but undeniable physical gifts.
Through two professional seasons, the 6’5”, 305-pound tackle has compiled 7.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback hits. Those numbers are not eye-popping. However, his pass-rush win rate from the interior ranked in the top 20 among all defensive tackles in 2024 when he was given single-block opportunities. The problem? He hasn’t commanded double-teams consistently, and his run-defense grades remain below league average.
By picking up the option now, the Saints avoid a potential bidding war in 2026. But they also guarantee that Bresee will earn nearly $14 million in cash for the 2027 season—unless they extend him before then.
The Basic Tier Loophole
The most revealing detail in this story is the tier classification. Bresee qualified for the basic tier because he never reached the 50% playtime threshold in his first three seasons (the option is decided after Year 3 for 2023 draftees). According to OverTheCap, this is the same tier assigned to players who have been rotational pieces or injury replacements.
Ironically, that “cheapest” tier still pays out nearly $14 million. It’s a striking reminder of how first-round economics have inflated. In 2027 dollars, that sum will likely rank even lower among DT salaries, but for a player who hasn’t yet logged a full season as an every-down tackle, the number raised eyebrows around the league.
One anonymous NFC executive told B/R: “You’re paying him like a low-end starter before you know he can hold up for 17 games. That’s the gamble. But the Saints are out of cap room tricks, so locking in a known number—even a high one—makes sense for them.”
What $13.94 Million Buys You in Today’s NFL
To contextualize the figure: $13.94 million per year would put Bresee just behind veteran D.J. Reader ($13.75M APY) and just ahead of former All-Pro Linval Joseph’s final big contract. It is roughly half of what top-tier tackles like Chris Jones ($31M APY) or Quinnen Williams ($24M APY) command.
The 24th-highest-paid DT slot is a curious neighborhood. It suggests the Saints view Bresee as a reliable starter who will not single-handedly wreck games but will consistently pressure the pocket. It is the financial equivalent of a “B-plus” grade.
For a player who has dealt with personal tragedy (the loss of his sister, Ella, to cancer in 2021) and significant injuries, the option is both a vote of confidence and a challenge. Bresee will enter the 2025 and 2026 seasons knowing that if he stays healthy and produces 8+ sacks in either year, he will easily beat the $13.94 million figure in free agency. If he stagnates, the Saints can cut him before 2027 with minimal dead money—but they are clearly betting on the former.
Cap Ramifications and the Saints’ Long Game
New Orleans is notorious for pushing cap hits into future years. This time, they’ve done the opposite: they’ve locked in a defined number for 2027, a year in which they currently project to have significant cap space for the first time in nearly a decade. By exercising the option now, Loomis avoids having to franchise tag Bresee in 2027 (which would cost closer to $20M) or lose him to a desperate team in free agency.
The move also buys continuity. Defensive line coach Todd Grantham has praised Bresee’s “violent hands and suddenness,” and the front office believes that pairing him with 2024 breakout star Carl Granderson and a healthy Payton Turner could finally stabilize a Saints pass rush that ranked 22nd in sacks last season.
The Verdict
At $13.94 million, Bryan Bresee is being paid to be an average-to-above-average starting defensive tackle. That is not a bargain. But in the inflated world of fifth-year options, it is also not an overpay. The basic tier saved New Orleans roughly $5 million compared to the standard tier—money that can be used to retain a veteran safety or add depth at offensive tackle.
For Bresee, the message is clear: The Saints believe in your talent but are not yet ready to commit long-term. This is a one-year, $14 million audition in 2027. If he dominates, he gets a nine-figure deal elsewhere. If he doesn’t, he becomes a cautionary tale of unfulfilled potential.
For now, New Orleans has made its massive decision. The check is written. The ball is in Bresee’s massive hands.
