The past week has been one of the more trying periods in franchise history for the Saints, which is saying quite a bit considering what they went through in the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina.

Adding insult to injury, the latest news out of New Orleans casts an even darker cloud over the team as quarterback Drew Brees is reported to be “livid” over being franchise tagged prior to Monday’s deadline, and is refusing to sign the one year tender that accompanies the designation.

The report comes from WIST-AM radio in New Orleans, and while they’re not exactly known for bringing major news to the forefront with regard to the Saints, it’s a plausible scenario, given the public comments made by Brees throughout the negotiations he’s had over the past two years with the team regarding a new contract.

Although he may be angry now over being tagged, Brees will eventually come to terms with the Saints, as neither side can afford a long and protracted holdout.

In the end, it’s likely that New Orleans may decide it’s better to overpay to keep Brees in the fold, than continue lowballing him and run the risk of having an even greater negative PR backlash against them from the fans that sellout the SuperDome every Sunday that the team is in town.