Chargers Daily Links: Drew Brees officially retired from the NFL

Although we all knew it was coming, it was still nonetheless notable.

On Sunday, former Chargers and longtime Saints quarterback Drew Brees officially announced his retirement from the NFL with the help of his four children. The news came 15 years to the day that Brees signed with the Saints.

Brees spent the first five years of his career in San Diego after being selected in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Purdue. In 2004, he was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year,

Following a devastating shoulder injury during the 2005 season, many didn’t believe Brees would be able to return to form. After the Chargers offered a five-year, $50 million deal that offseason, Brees decided to entertain other teams before eventually signing with the Saints for six years and $60 million.

From then on, the rest is history.

Brees leaves the NFL as the league’s all-time leader in passing yards, total completions, and holds the highest single-season completion percentage in NFL history.

Enjoy retirement, Drew!

Now for today”s links.

Chargers News:

Why cutting Casey Hayward was the right decision (Bolt Beat)

Is Rayshawn Jenkins expecting to make a free agent move? (Chargers Wire)

Derius Swinton II sat down with Hayley Elwood (Chargers.com)

The Chargers parted ways with CB Casey Hayward (Chargers.com)

NFL News:

The Ravens signed former Giants guard Kevin Zeitler (ESPN)

Drew Brees officially retired over the weekend (ESPN)

The Packers re-signed RB Aaron Jones to a four-year deal (Bleacher Report)

NFL, NFLPA have discussed mandatory vaccinations, but it’s unlikely that it becomes anything tangible (Pro Football Talk)

Chris Trapasso’s seven-round mock draft (CBS Sports)

Perfect free agent fits for 13 NFL teams (CBS Sports)