Drew Brees on Chargers QB Justin Herbert: ‘He can be a 15-year franchise guy’

The Chargers got 15 years out of Philip Rivers and now the team is hoping to get the same duration out of Justin Herbert. Future Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees believes that the franchise will be able to.

In a recent interview with NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico, Brees had plenty of praise for the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, specifically lauding his attributes.

“I don’t think I’ve seen an athlete quite like him. We played them last year, and I was impressed,” Brees said. “Then I saw him at mini-camp in OTAs and was amazed at how big and strong he is.

“His forearms and hands look like he has been digging fence-post holes his entire life. He is good, smart and has those leadership qualities. You talk about building an offense around a guy, he can be a 15-year franchise guy.”

Brees spent some time with Herbert at Los Angeles’ mandatory minicamp last month for a mock meeting with NBC Sports. There, Brees also talked highly of Herbert, saying that “his physical tools are as good as anybody he’s ever seen.”

Having previously played under offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi with the Saints, Brees believes that his system will be tailor-made for Herbert, and the tools and weapons that he has around him will only further his chances to succeed.