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 3:58am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a defensive lineman in action, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form capturing the dynamic movement of the player.The Saints' decision to exercise Bresee's fifth-year option reflects their belief in his potential, despite his uneven performance so far.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints have reportedly exercised the fifth-year option on defensive lineman Bryan Bresee, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season. Bresee, a first-round pick in 2023, has shown flashes of potential but has yet to fully break out in his first three NFL seasons. The Saints are taking a chance on the 24-year-old, who will have two more 'prove-it' years to demonstrate he's worth a long-term extension.

Why it matters

Bresee was a highly touted prospect coming out of Clemson, and the Saints are hoping he can develop into a dominant force on their defensive line. Exercising his fifth-year option shows the team's commitment to Bresee and their belief that he can still reach his full potential. However, Bresee will need to improve his overall performance, particularly against the run, to justify the Saints' investment.

The details

The Saints selected Bresee with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In his first three seasons, he has recorded 16 sacks, with a career-high 8 sacks in 2024. However, his production dipped in 2025, and his overall PFF grade of 52.9 ranked 88th out of 134 eligible defensive tackles. Bresee is more of a pass-rushing specialist than a traditional defensive tackle, and he has struggled at times with run defense. The Saints are hoping that with two more years under his belt, Bresee can develop into a more well-rounded player.

  • 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.
  • In the 2025 season, Bresee's production dipped, and his overall PFF grade was 52.9.

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. Bresee has shown flashes of potential in his first three seasons, but has yet to fully break out and become a dominant force on the Saints' defensive line.

Mickey Loomis

The general manager of the New Orleans Saints, who reportedly exercised Bresee's fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season.

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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

What’s next

If Bresee can demonstrate he's worth a long-term extension, the Saints will likely do it. However, for now, it appears he will have two 'prove-it' years with the Saints in 2026 and 2027.

The takeaway

The Saints are taking a calculated risk by exercising Bresee's fifth-year option, hoping that the former first-round pick can develop into a dominant force on their defensive line. While Bresee has shown flashes of potential, he will need to improve his overall performance, particularly against the run, to justify the Saints' investment and earn a long-term extension.