Bryan Bresee received a big vote of confidence from the New Orleans Saints when the team exercised his fifth-year option this week, putting the defensive tackle under contract through 2027. Bresee receives more security with an extra year added to his contract, and the Saints get some insurance about their long-term outlook at the position. It’s a good deal for the former Clemson Tigers first-round draft pick.
In terms of salary cap cost, nothing changes this season. Bresee still has a 2026 salary cap hit of $3.9 million. But in 2027, he’ll be guaranteed more than $13.9 million. Even though he qualifies for only the basic level of compensation (you can read more about the different tiers here), Bresee’s fifth-year salary will exceed what he earned the first four years put together (a little under $12.3 million). That’s the rookie wage scale in effect. If he were on the books for $13.9 million this year, Bresee would take up 4.6% of the Saints’ salary cap. With the cap projected to hit $327 million next season, he’ll take up about 4.3%.
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Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee after being selected by the New Orlean Saints twenty ninth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee after being selected by the New Orlean Saints twenty ninth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 24: Patrick Taylor #27 of the Green Bay Packers is brought down by Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints during a game at Lambeau Field on September 24, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 10: Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints gets a hand on Desmond Ridder #19 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of a preseason football game at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 10: Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a defensive stop during the first quarter of a preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a defensive play during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome on September 08, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 22: Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Caesars Superdome on September 22, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 22: Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a sack against Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Caesars Superdome on September 22, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 17: Jameis Winston #5 of the Cleveland Browns scrambles away from Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome on November 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 17: Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints looks on during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Caesars Superdome on November 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 08: Bryan Bresee #90 of New Orleans Saints celebrates with teammates after blocking a field goal attempt against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 08, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 23: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers is brought down by Cameron Jordan #94, Carl Granderson #96 and Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints during a game at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Saints 34-0. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 05: Bryan Bresee #90 and Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate a defensive play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 10: Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws in front of Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints in the first half during a NFL Preseason 2025 game at SoFi Stadium on August 10, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 14: Mac Jones #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is wrapped up by Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter in the game at Caesars Superdome on September 14, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 21: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass the ball under pressure from Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Lumen Field on September 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 28: Bryan Bresee #90 and Carl Granderson #96 of the New Orleans Saints react during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 02: Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFL 2025 game between New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) misses the tackle on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Austen Pleasants (75) blocks New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Austen Pleasants (75) blocks New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Austen Pleasants (75) blocks New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Houston Texans center Michael Deiter (63) blocks New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) looks on against the Houston Texans during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 19, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson greets New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) after defeating the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 19, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) trades jerseys with New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) after defeating the Saints at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) has a pass blocked by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen talks to defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) against the Chicago Bears during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 20, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes against defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during practice at Yulman Stadium (Tulane). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) celebrates with New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) pumps up the crowd against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Sep 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) reacts after Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo (6) (not pictured) kicked a game winning field goal during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) reacts to sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Dec 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) tackles Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
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Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (2) is hit after throwing a pass by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) and defensive ends Cameron Jordan (94) and Carl Granderson (96) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (2) runs with the ball against New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (9) reacts after missing a potential game-tying field goal as New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) celebrates late during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) celebrates with teammates after blocking a field goal during the fourth quarter by New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (not pictured) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) celebrates after the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) reacts to making a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Jul 28, 2025; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) looks on at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Sep 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) and safety Justin Reid (21) reacts to a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Sep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) scrambles to avoid the sack from New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Sep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) scrambles to avoid the sack from New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Sep 21, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
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Sep 21, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) and defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
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Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) reacts after a play against the New York Giants during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) walks off the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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Nov 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) is stopped short of the goal line by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) carries the ball as New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) defends during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
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Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) gets tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
But that means higher expectations are in place, too. We know he can rush the quarterback, but now he needs to impact the run, too. Bresee became a three-down player in 2025 with a career-high 294 snaps in run defense (44.1% of his total), compared to just 228 snaps in 2024 (32.2%) and 148 of them in 2023 (27.5%). He played the second-most snaps against the run among the team’s defensive tackles behind Nathan Shepherd (303), with veteran nose tackle Davon Godchaux (278) not far behind.
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The Saints improved to rank sixth-best in yards allowed per carry (4.0) after ranking bottom-10 in each of his first two seasons. But teams still tried to run on them. New Orleans faced the third-most rushing attempts (517) in the league, ranking 14th in total rushing yards allowed (2,050). Just five teams gave up more than 2,000 rushing yards and still made the playoffs. If he’s going to keep seeing more action against the run, Bresee has to take more responsibility in slowing down opposing offenses.
With a big pay raise on the horizon, Bresee needs to do more to discourage teams from running the ball and controlling the pace of play. He’s only created eight tackles for loss on running plays in his career, compared to 14.5 sacks in the same span of time. We need to see more of that disruptive playmaking in the opposing backfield. To Bresee’s credit, five of those eight tackles for loss came last year. He’s already taken a couple of big steps in the right direction. Hopefully he can use that momentum to take a leap and become the player the Saints believe he can be.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Bryan Bresee fifth year option: What it means, what it costs Saints