NBC NATIONAL NEWS — The New Orleans Saints open off-season workouts on Monday, definitely without Sean Payton and possibly without a star quarterback.

While promoting his charity golf tournament in San Diego, Drew Brees dodged questions about his contract status.

The saints placed the exclusive-rights franchise tag on Brees just before the start of free agency, which means Brees would earn about $16 million in 2012.

He has yet to sign the deal.