Saints Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Defensive Lineman Bryan Bresee

The former first-round pick will remain with New Orleans through the 2027 season.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:03am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the explosive movements and collisions of a defensive lineman, using the official colors of the New Orleans Saints team.A cubist interpretation of a Saints defensive lineman's relentless pursuit of the quarterback, reflecting the team's high expectations for Bryan Bresee's continued development.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints have exercised the fifth-year option on defensive lineman Bryan Bresee, keeping the 2023 first-round pick under contract through the 2027 season. Bresee has shown flashes of potential in his first three NFL seasons, but his production has been inconsistent, leading the Saints to take a 'prove-it' approach with the young defensive standout.

Why it matters

The Saints are betting on Bresee's long-term potential, giving him two more seasons to solidify his role on the team's defensive line. While Bresee has not yet lived up to his first-round draft status, the Saints are hoping he can develop into a consistent contributor, especially as a pass rusher, to bolster their defensive front.

The details

Bresee, 24, was selected 29th overall by the Saints in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Clemson. In his first three seasons, he has recorded 16 sacks, including a career-high 8 in 2024. However, his production dipped in 2025, leading the Saints to exercise his fifth-year option rather than committing to a long-term extension. Bresee has played both defensive tackle and edge rusher for the Saints, showcasing his versatility but also struggling at times with run defense.

  • The Saints selected Bresee with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
  • Bresee recorded a career-high 8 sacks in the 2024 season.
  • Bresee's production declined in the 2025 season, leading the Saints to exercise his fifth-year option.

The players

Bryan Bresee

A 24-year-old defensive lineman who was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Clemson University.

Mickey Loomis

The general manager of the New Orleans Saints, who made the decision to exercise Bresee's fifth-year option.

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What they’re saying

“The Saints picked up Bryan Bresee's fifth-year option, I'm told. He is now under contract through the 2027 season.”

— Nick Underhill, Reporter

What’s next

The Saints will look for Bresee to take a step forward in the 2026 and 2027 seasons, as he enters the final two years of his rookie contract. If he can demonstrate he is worth a long-term extension, the team will likely look to keep him in New Orleans beyond the 2027 season.

The takeaway

The Saints' decision to exercise Bresee's fifth-year option shows their belief in his long-term potential, despite his inconsistent production so far. The team is giving the young defensive lineman two more seasons to prove he can be a consistent contributor, as they look to build a strong defensive front for the future.