The New Orleans Saints have picked up defensive lineman Bryan Bresee's fifth-year option, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed.
The move ensures that Bresee, the team's 2023 first-round pick, will be under contract for the 2027 season. By picking up the option, the Saints will pay Bresee a contract estimated north of $13 million, according to Over The Cap. New Orleans had until May to decide on Bresee's status, but officially picked up the option Wednesday — weeks before the league's deadline.
Bresee, 24, had only 2 1/2 sacks last season, a five-sack drop from his 7 1/2 campaign in 2024. But the Saints believe he played better than his sack numbers indicate. Despite missing two games because of injury, Bresee played a career-high 69% of the team's defensive snaps.
The Saints drafted Bresee 29th overall three years ago out of Clemson. He is entering his fourth season, which would have been the last year of his rookie-scale contract had New Orleans not picked up the fifth-year option.