• New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL divisional football playoff game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. Photo: Jeff Roberson, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Photo: Jeff Roberson, AP
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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL divisional football playoff game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL divisional football playoff game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018.
Photo: Jeff Roberson, AP
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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) walks off the field after a 29-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in an NFL divisional football playoff game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. The Vikings defeated the Saints 29-24. less
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) walks off the field after a 29-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in an NFL divisional football playoff game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. The Vikings ... more
Photo: Jeff Roberson, AP
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METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Drew Brees says he still expects to remain with the New Orleans Saints as long as they'll have him.

The quarterback says he knows he'd have leverage to shop around if the Saints don't reach an extension with him before the new league year starts in March. However, the 39-year-old Brees says he doesn't plan on that.

Because of the way Brees' contract is structured, the Saints would lose $18 million in salary cap space if they fail to reach an extension with Brees, who says he sees potential for New Orleans to build on a season that was on the brink of continuing to the NFC title game until a stunning, last-second Minnesota touchdown Sunday.

Meanwhile, veteran right tackle Zach Strief, a Week 1 starter who spent most of the season on injured reserve, says he hasn't yet decided whether he'll retire.

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