The Saints and Drew Brees appear to still be far apart on talks regarding a long-term contract. A group of the fleur-de-lis faithful have set up a website, FansStepUp.com, which seeks donations aimed at bridging the gap between whatever the Saints are offering Brees and whatever Brees wants. Through Tuesday, the effort had raised $738.09.

It has been speculated that Drew Brees could be in for a 44% raise in 2013 under the collective bargaining agreement if the Saints use their franchise tag on him again. However, the quarterback could use a much more potent tactic if he's willing to walk away with $16.371 million next season. Article 10, Section 15(c) of the labor deal explains that, if Brees doesn't play in 2012, he can be tendered as a franchise player once again in 2013. However, if Brees hold out for all of 2012, the Saints would be prevented from using the exclusive version of the franchise tag on Brees in 2013. While the Saints would have the right to match any offer sheet Brees signs elsewhere in 2013, a new team could put together a monstrous offer - and then the Saints would have to decide whether to finally pay Brees or let him walk away.

The Saints had a blitz-heavy identity under outgoing defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and they expect to maintain that under Steve Spagnuolo. No team in the league sent more six- and seven-man rushes over the past two seasons. Spagnuolo is implementing more zone coverage in the secondary, but the team's approach up front will be similar. "It's extremely aggressive," linebacker Chris Chamberlain explained of Spagnuolo's scheme. "I think if Spags had it his way, he would like to blitz and pressure on every down."

Drew Brees hasn't yet received a long-term contract from the Saints, but one of his teammates believes he should soon be the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. "I think he deserves the world," wide receiver Lance Moore said. "He's done things that have never been done before," Moore added.

We still don't know if a Pro Bowl will be held this year, but if one takes place New Orleans and Hawaii are two potential hosts. The Times-Picayune writes that New Orleans is a "leading candidate" to host the game. The game was in Hawaii the past two years because Dallas and Indianapolis didn't feel like "destination" places for players. Superdome general manager Alan Freeman said they are keeping the stadium available for the game.

Chase Daniel is set to operate as the No. 1 quarterback with the Saints. Drew Brees is slated to miss the start of the team's organized team activities on Tuesday as part of his ongoing contract negotiations with New Orleans. "First and foremost, we miss Drew. This whole team, the community, the fans, everybody misses Drew, but we also realize right now we have to move on without him," Daniel said. "Is a deal going to get done? Yes, I have faith. But right now it's a great opportunity for myself to go in, show the type of skills I've (gained) ... and really earn the trust of the guys."

The Saints have announced a shift in their executive staff. Rita Benson LeBlanc will become vice chairman of the board of New Orleans and Dennis Lauscha will take over as president of the team.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis isn't overly concerned about recent comments made by Drew Brees about the slow pace of talks on a contract extension. "I feel for him. I feel with him. He wants to be here right now. I want him to be here right now and we'll work hard to get that accomplished," Loomis said. "It's important to Drew, but it's important to our team. The magnitude of this contract is going to impact our team for a long period of time, so we've got to get it right. It's got to be right for Drew, but it's got to be right for our team as well." Loomis, as he typically does when talking about contracts, declined to go into specifics about the sticking points holding up the deal.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said that a long-term contract extension for franchised quarterback Drew Brees will get done. Owner Tom Benson went further, guaranteeing that an extension will get done. "Drew loves the Saints and we love Drew," Loomis said. Brees is coming off one of the most impressive passing seasons in NFL history, setting the single-season NFL record with 5,476 yards and leading the league with 46 touchdown passes.

Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has filed a defamation lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The suit claims Goodell has made false statements about Vilma while discussing the NFL's bounty investigation of the team. Goodell has said Vilma was a leader of the team's bounty program that put up thousands of dollars for big hits on opposing players from 2009-11. Goodell has suspended Vilma for the entire season.