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By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints have reportedly made a decision on their 2023 first-round pick’s fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season.
Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the Saints will exercise the fifth-year option for defensive tackle Bryan Bresee.
Bresee, who was drafted No. 28 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has consistently impressed the Saints since arriving in the Crescent City. We we noted from this year’s Annual Meeting that the defensive tackle particularly stood out in 2025 for his club as he adjusted to the team’s new defense and the responsibilities that came with it.
Although Bresee was drafted as an interior pass rusher with strides left to make as a run defender, he made significant progress in that role in 2025.
He’s proven to be a strong fit in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system.
The 2027 fifth-year option amount is currently projected to be approximately $13.9 million for 2027.
Were his option for 2026, it would make Bresee the 24th-highest paid interior defensive lineman, per Over The Cap.
That’s a very manageable expense at the position. Especially with the Saints currently expected to have north of $70 million available in salary cap that season prior to the option being exercised.
Bresee appeared in 15 games last year, totaling 37 total tackles, five of which for a loss, 2.5 sacks, three passes defended and a fumble forced.
He’ll now continue to be a pillar on the Saints’ defensive line for at least two more seasons with the potential for a contract extension on the way after this year.
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