The Best New Orleans Saints of All Time
A list of the best New Orleans Saints of all time. For many years, the New Orleans Saints were the laughingstock of the NFL. Their fans wore invented wearing paperbags over their faces at games to conceal their identity because those teams were so bad. One of the only players worth watching in those bad old days was Archie Manning. Superstar quarterback, Manning spent most of his days in New Orleans running for his life behind porous offensive lines and had little talent at the skill position. It took the Saints nearly 20 years to make the playoffs. Behind the intimidating Dome Patrol linebacking crew, which was featured some of the best linebackers of all time, the Saints went to the playoffs four times in six seasons.
It took until Drew Brees arrived in 2006 for the Saints franchise to finally hit their stride. Behind one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, the Saints reached the NFC Championship Game that year. The team's fortunes improved as they slowly added the greatest players in Saints history. Finally, in 2009, one of the best Saints teams ever captured something that many thought wasn't possible: a Super Bowl title. Behind Brees, wide receiver Marques Colston and a high-flying offense, the Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints offense is one of the best in the NFL and with up-and-coming stars like tight end Jimmy Graham, New Orleans looks to be unstoppable for the foreseeable future.
This is the list of the best New Orleans Saints of all time. If you see someone missing from this list, feel free to add him. Vote or rerank this list according to who you think is the greatest New Orleans Saints player of all time.- Quarterback
Drew Brees, the former quarterback and undeniable face of the New Orleans Saints franchise, was renowned not only for his pinpoint accuracy and innate ability to read defenses but also for his leadership on and off the field. As the driving force behind the Saints' rise to prominence in the late 2000s, including their triumphant victory in Super Bowl XLIV, Brees etched his name in the annals of NFL history as one of the most prolific passers to ever grace the gridiron. His commitment to excellence and passion for the game have earned him the respect and admiration of both teammates and opponents alike, as he rewrote the record books and left an indelible mark on the city of New Orleans.
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Cameron Jordan
Defensive endCameron Jordan, a relentless powerhouse on the defensive line, has carved out a formidable reputation as one of the most feared pass rushers in the league, consistently wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks with his unique blend of power, speed, and technique. With an unyielding motor and impressive durability, Jordan has solidified himself as a cornerstone of the Saints’ defense, anchoring the team’s front seven while terrorizing offenses with relentless pressure. A true leader and model of consistency, Jordan's unwavering energy and work ethic have been instrumental in elevating the Saints' defensive unit to new heights.
- Linebacker
As a founding member of the fearsome "Dome Patrol" linebacker corps, Rickey Jackson terrorized offenses throughout the 1980s and early '90s with his relentless tenacity and menacing presence on the field. A ferocious tackler and prolific pass rusher, Jackson’s legendary combination of speed, power, and instincts allowed him to make game-changing plays that few others could replicate. His unwavering commitment to excellence and passion for the sport solidified his status as one of the most dominant defensive players in Saints history.
- Running back
Alvin Kamara, the versatile running back with a penchant for making defenders miss, can only be described as an offensive dynamo whose ability to break open games with explosive plays is a constant threat to opposing teams. With a seemingly inexhaustible arsenal of moves at his disposal, Kamara has become a nightmare for defenders to bring down in the open field, exhibiting an uncanny blend of agility, balance, and deceptive power. As both a potent rusher and reliable receiver, Kamara’s dual-threat capabilities have made him an invaluable weapon and a central figure in the Saints' high-octane offensive attack.
- Running back
Deuce McAllister, a bruising running back with a reputation for running over defenders, was the epitome of power and determination during his tenure with the Saints. With his imposing size and deceptive speed, McAllister consistently punished opponents with his hard-nosed running style, racking up yardage while wearing down defenses. As the workhorse of the New Orleans offense, McAllister's rugged determination and tireless drive played an instrumental role in the team's success throughout the early 2000s.
- Wide receiver
Known as the "Quiet Storm," Marques Colston was the unassuming but highly effective wide receiver who consistently found ways to get open and make clutch catches when it mattered most. This consummate professional was known for his precise route running and soft hands, amassing receptions and yardage while flying under the radar amid more boisterous personalities on the field. Colston's ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments and penchant for making seemingly impossible catches transformed him into a veritable folk hero among Saints fans.