New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Bryan Bresee regressed in 2025 after setting career highs in sacks, pressures, tackles for loss, and sacks in 2024. He recorded 37 tackles, five TFLs, eight quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble across 15 games and 668 defensive snaps. Bresee also posted 30 pressures, a 7.7% pass-rush win rate, a 5.7% stop rate, and a 23.1% missed tackle rate. He missed the final two games due to a non-contact knee injury.
The New Orleans Saints have a major financial decision to make soon
New Orleans Saints, Bryan Bresee
Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) walks off the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Since Bryan Bresee was a first-round pick and recently completed his third regular season, he has a fully guaranteed 5th-year option for the 2027 season attached to his contract, with the decision due in May. Because he did not make the Pro Bowl and failed to average 50% or more of snaps across all three seasons or play in 75% or more of snaps in two of his first three seasons, his club option falls under Tier 1. The basic tier is worth $13.931 million, per Over The Cap.
Many fans believe the Saints should decline Bresee’s 5th-year option because he is a serviceable, not premier, defensive lineman in the NFL. The best-case scenario is for him to play out the final year of his rookie deal and, if he improves or breaks out, secure him to a long-term contract extension before he hits free agency, if they decline the club option.
The Saints make a surprising move on ex-1st-rounder despite regression
New Orleans Saints, Bryan Bresee
Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) reacts to making a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the Saints have exercised Bryan Bresee’s fully guaranteed $13.931 million 5th-year option for the 2027 season, giving him the 24th-highest cap hit among interior defensive linemen that year. If the ex-1st-round pick performs well, the front office could sign him to a long-term contract next offseason, which would ultimately reduce his cap hit. The team is banking on Bresee improving and breaking out in his second year under Brandon Staley’s scheme.
The Saints picked up Bryan Bresee’s fifth-year option, I’m told. He is now under contract through the 2027 season.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) April 8, 2026
Fans react to the decision
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Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints fans cheering against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Need him to improve that run defense bad
— Goat Era (@godofwar5618) April 8, 2026
Tons of upside. Hopefully he can turn a corner and live up to his draft status.
— WhoDat Fan ⚜️⚜️ (@LVSaintsFan) April 8, 2026
Need a big season from BB
— MB. (@MichaelBtoch) April 8, 2026
Bro betta move to edge cause that run defense in the middle is sum shii😭
— Mase⚜️🌴 (@BallOnYuHeauxs) April 8, 2026
Needs to take a step up but hes a good enough vet with a great motor worth keeping for the forseeable future
— Big Zoo (@WhoDatZooDat) April 8, 2026
i didn’t think they would
— BigMac (@BigMacAttackkkk) April 8, 2026
Also Read: New Orleans Saints: Acquire Elite Run-Stopper for 2025