Sean Payton is prepared to quit calling offensive plays if it helps him manage his entire team better.

Payton figures Pete Carmichael Jr. is capable of doing it well for the New Orleans Saints.

"He's been with us now, with me now, for going on 11 years," Payton said. "He has a great feel for what we're looking to do.

"If I'm managing the game, or paying attention to what just happened on a punt return, we are far enough along in this process where it is easy for us," Payton said.

Carmichael was the primary play caller in Drew Brees' ear in Sunday's season-opener against the Oakland Raiders. 

Carmichael was essentially forced into play-calling duties by a fluke injury to Sean Payton, who broke his leg when caught up in a tackle along the sideline at Tampa Bay in the sixth game of that season. Carmichael handled play calling for the final nine regular season games.

The New Orleans Saints have released C.J. Spiller.

Spiller signed a four-year, $16 million contract with the Saints during the 2015 offseason.

Sean Payton said Spiller was scratched because there wasn't room for him in the Raiders game plan, adding that Spiller's role could change "week to week."

But when the NFL posted Tuesday's transactions, Spiller's contract had been terminated.

In 2015, Spiller gained 112 yards rushing and 239 yards receiving in 13 games, his lone significant highlight being a late-game, 80-yard touchdown catch in a victory over Dallas.

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints have agreed upon a one-year extension.

Brees will receive $44.25 million in fully guaranteed money over the next two seasons.

Brees will receive $20 million in salary for 2016 and $24.25 million in 2017.

The Saints also have given Brees a no trade clause.

The New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees are "relatively close" in negotiations on an extension, according to sources.

"It looks like something could get done," one source said.

There has been dialogue between the two for approximately a week and an exchange of proposals in recent days. Brees, 37, has said he will not negotiate once the season begins Sunday with the Saints at home against the Oakland Raiders.

The quarterback has one year left on his contract.

The New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees have resumed talks about a possible contract extension, according to a league source.

However, there has been little progress as the quarterback's self-imposed Sunday deadline nears.

Brees has just one year left on his current contract.

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Max Unger.

Unger was one of the pieces the Saints received from the Seattle Seahawks in the Jimmy Graham trade.

The extension is worth more than $21 million, according to a source.