LOUIS ARMSTRONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- I’m getting ready to fly back to NFC South Blog Headquarters. But, for a time last night and this morning, I thought I was going to have to spend an extra day or two in New Orleans.

I got wind last night of a rumor that quarterback Drew Brees was close to signing a long-term deal with the Saints. I checked around and got no indication that was true. Then, some more reports surfaced locally Thursday that Brees likely would sign Friday. I’ve checked around again and the same sources say nothing is imminent.

Mike Triplett also checked around, probably with some of the same sources, and got the same answer. All indications are there has been no major change in the negotiations. But it’s always possible that could change at any time. But I don’t get the sense anything is going to happen Thursday or Friday. But you never know in these situations. I won’t be turning off my computer until I’m ordered to right before the flight takes off and the first thing I’ll do when I land in Tampa is check my cell phone to see if anything has changed. Keep an eye on the headlines section of our main NFL page while I'm out of pocket. If there is news on Brees, it will appear there first.

Also, just a quick heads-up to Saints fans: In just a little bit, I'll have a column popping up about what I observed at minicamp the past two days.