Saints Exercise 5th-Year Option on DT Bryan Bresee

The 2023 first-round pick will remain with the team through 2027.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a defensive tackle in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the player's movements and the intensity of the game.The Saints' decision to exercise Bresee's fifth-year option reflects their commitment to building a strong, versatile defensive line.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints have exercised the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Bryan Bresee's rookie contract, keeping the 2023 first-round draft pick under team control through the 2027 season. The option is worth $13.931 million, fully guaranteed for 2027.

Why it matters

Exercising Bresee's fifth-year option demonstrates the Saints' long-term commitment to the young defensive tackle, who has shown promise in his first three NFL seasons. This move provides stability and continuity for the Saints' defensive line as they look to build on recent success.

The details

Bresee was selected 29th overall by the Saints in the 2023 NFL Draft. In his three seasons with the team, he has appeared in 49 games with 26 starts, totaling 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble. In 2025, he had a standout year, playing in 15 games and recording 37 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and three pass breakups.

  • The Saints exercised Bresee's fifth-year option on April 8, 2026.
  • Bresee was drafted by the Saints in the 1st round (29th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The players

Bryan Bresee

A defensive tackle who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 1st round (29th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has played 49 games with 26 starts in his first three seasons with the team.

New Orleans Saints

A professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana that competes in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division.

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What they’re saying

“Exercising Bresee's fifth-year option demonstrates the Saints' long-term commitment to the young defensive tackle, who has shown promise in his first three NFL seasons.”

— Nick Underhill, Reporter

What’s next

Bresee will now be under contract with the Saints through the 2027 season, providing stability and continuity for the team's defensive line.

The takeaway

The Saints' decision to exercise Bresee's fifth-year option is a vote of confidence in the young defensive tackle's potential and a sign that the team views him as a key part of their long-term plans. This move helps solidify the Saints' defensive line as they look to build on their recent success.