Drew Brees Hopeful Deal Can Get Done

Drew Brees says he's confident he'll get a long-term deal done with the Saints.
Brees acknowledged Tuesday that the offseason distractions has slowed down negotiations. On the subject of those off-field issues, he says the NFL has produced no proof the Saints' defense engaged in a bounty system.
With training camp nearing, Brees says progress has been made on his contract in recent weeks ''but there's still a ways to go.''

He says ''I'm hopeful that it will happen sooner than later.''A/P