As the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees attempt to negotiate a long-term contract, there’s at least one guy in the organization who's not posturing.

In this radio interview, tight end Jimmy Graham said it’s critical for the quarterback to get signed quickly. The Saints began their offseason program Monday without Brees and Graham said the team needs its leader.

“I think it’s very important,’’ Graham said. “I can remember last year, during the lockout, other teams, they didn’t get together. Drew orchestrated and paid for a lot of the younger guys and even got me a place to stay and said, 'Jimmy, I want you here.' He paid that out of his own pocket for all of us to be here training together and we saw what that translated into and what that meant for [the team]. I’m not sure what’s going on or all the details but I just want him back as soon as possible."