BREES ADMITS TO RECRUITING L.T. TO N.O.

In an interview with XX 1090 AM (via SportsRadioInterviews.com), one of the radio stations in his old stomping grounds of San Diego, Saints quarterback Drew Brees recently addressed the current contract impasse involving the Chargers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson. And if Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith ever smiles (then again, he never does), he surely wasn’t smiling after hearing what Brees had to say. Following what seemed like 20 minutes of Brees talking about nothing that was all that compelling or humorous (with the exception of something about his wife once asking him if he had a sausage in his pocket), Brees addressed L.T.'s status. As to whether Tomlinson should accept a reduction from the $6.725 million salary that he’s due to earn in 2009, Brees was unequivocal. “I don’t think he should accept less money from the Chargers at this point,” Brees said, “because look at his track record . . . . Many people could say he had a decline this year, but I disagree with that. He was banged up for the majority of the year, and I think that’s just part of the game at times. “I mean the guy hasn’t missed one start his entire NFL career, so if you’re going to sit here and tell me he’s, you know, not a durable guy, then you’re crazy. Like I said I think he’s still got a lot of motivation. I think he’s got a lot of fight and fire left in him. And you know he can still be a very productive player. So I don’t see any reason why he should be taking a pay cut at this point.” So if Tomlinson refuses to take a pay cut, Brees would love to be reunited with his former San Diego teammate. “I mean, come on, it’s an easy question,” Brees said. “I’d love to have him in New Orleans. I’d love to be his teammate again. I think L.T.’s got a lot of great years left in him so we’ll see what happens.” Brees also admitted to having conversations with Tomlinson, and that the conversations have touched on L.T.'s status. And Brees at first became very coy when asked point-blank about whether he has made it known to Tomlinson that Brees would like to have him in New Orleans. “For me, I’m just waiting for the opportunity if he is available to come and snatch him,” Brees said. As to the specific issue of whether Brees has shared that sentiment with Tomlinson, Brees was surprisingly candid. “I think that’s pretty obvious, don’t you think?” Brees said. Then reminded of the tampering rules, Brees said it was “just two buddies talkin’ on the phone.” Yeah, and soon it could be two buddies playin’ some football together, again.