11 Best Saints Players of All Time

#11: Morten Andersen (1982-1994)

• Position: Kicker
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 218 lbs

Morten Andersen, also known as “The Great Dane,” is one of the most iconic kickers in NFL history. A model of consistency, Andersen played 13 seasons with the Saints and became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. 

His powerful leg and clutch kicking earned him a reputation as one of the best at his position, making game-winning kicks a regular occurrence. Andersen’s success with the Saints laid the foundation for his Hall of Fame career, and his impact on the game extended well beyond New Orleans.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 6x Pro Bowler with the Saints
• Franchise’s all-time leading scorer
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2017)

#10: Archie Manning (1971-1982)

• Position: Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 212 lbs

Archie Manning may not have had the team success that later Saints players enjoyed, but his grit, leadership, and talent made him a beloved figure in New Orleans. 

Playing during a difficult era for the franchise, Manning consistently gave his best effort despite often lacking the necessary support around him. His athleticism and playmaking ability kept the Saints competitive, and his legacy as a cornerstone of the franchise remains strong.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x Pro Bowler
• Saints Ring of Honor inductee
• Over 21,000 passing yards and 115 touchdowns with the Saints

#9: Pat Swilling (1986-1992)

• Position: Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 245 lbs

Pat Swilling was a dominant force in the Saints’ famed “Dome Patrol” defense. Known for his explosive pass-rushing skills, Swilling recorded double-digit sacks in multiple seasons and was one of the most feared linebackers of his era. 

His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks earned him Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1991, and he remains one of the best defenders in Saints history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 5x Pro Bowler
• 1991 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
• 76.5 sacks with the Saints

#8: Joe Horn (2000-2006)

• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 206 lbs

Joe Horn was one of the most dynamic and charismatic wide receivers the Saints have ever had. Known for his incredible hands and route running, Horn became the go-to target for the Saints during his prime years.

 His four Pro Bowl selections and famous “cellphone celebration” made him a fan favorite. Horn consistently delivered in big moments, helping to raise the profile of the Saints’ offense in the early 2000s.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 4x Pro Bowler with the Saints

#7: Cameron Jordan (2011-Present)

• Position: Defensive End
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 287 lbs

Cameron Jordan has been the backbone of the Saints’ defense for over a decade. Known for his durability, leadership, and relentless motor, Jordan consistently ranks among the league’s top pass rushers. His ability to stop the run and get to the quarterback has earned him multiple 

Pro Bowl selections and made him one of the most respected defensive players in the NFL. Jordan’s impact on the Saints’ defense is undeniable, and his leadership both on and off the field has made him a cornerstone of the franchise.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 8x Pro Bowler
• Over 115 career sacks (and counting)
• NFL 2010s All-Decade Team

#6: Sam Mills (1986-1994)

• Position: Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 232 lbs

Sam Mills was the heart and soul of the Saints’ legendary “Dome Patrol” defense. Despite being undersized, Mills’ intelligence, toughness, and leadership made him one of the best linebackers of his time. 

He had an incredible ability to read plays, make key tackles, and lead his team with his unmatched work ethic. Mills’ presence on the field was a game-changer, and his contributions to the Saints are still celebrated today.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 4x Pro Bowler with the Saints
• Saints Hall of Fame inductee

#5: Marques Colston (2006-2015)

• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 225 lbs

Marques Colston is one of the most productive wide receivers in New Orleans Saints history. Despite being a 7th-round draft pick, Colston quickly became a reliable target for Drew Brees, using his size, precise route running, and incredible hands to carve out an exceptional career. 

Colston was a consistent force on the field, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in six of his first seven seasons. Known for his quiet demeanor but fierce competitiveness, he was a key piece in the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV championship run. 

Colston holds multiple franchise records and is remembered as one of the most underrated receivers in NFL history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Saints all-time leader in receptions (711), receiving yards (9,759), and receiving touchdowns (72)

#4: Willie Roaf (1993-2001)

• Position: Offensive Tackle
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 320 lbs

Willie Roaf was a dominant force on the Saints’ offensive line during his tenure in New Orleans. Known for his rare combination of size, strength, and agility, Roaf was one of the best left tackles of his era. 

He consistently protected the quarterback’s blindside and opened up running lanes, earning respect across the league. 

Roaf’s dominance on the offensive line was pivotal in stabilizing the Saints’ offense throughout the 90s. His remarkable consistency and elite performance made him a cornerstone of the team during that era. 

After leaving New Orleans, Roaf continued to excel, ultimately earning a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 7x Pro Bowler with the Saints
• 6x First-Team All-Pro
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2012)

#3: Deuce McAllister (2001-2009)

• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 232 lbs

Deuce McAllister was the heart of the Saints’ offense throughout the 2000s, known for his bruising running style and incredible versatility. He became the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in four different seasons. 

McAllister’s ability to run with power while still being an effective receiver out of the backfield made him an invaluable asset. His leadership on and off the field earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike. 

McAllister was a key figure in the Saints’ success and played a pivotal role in the team’s first-ever NFC Championship win in 2006, which helped secure their Super Bowl XLIV victory.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Saints all-time leader in rushing yards (6,096)
• 2x Pro Bowler

#2: Rickey Jackson (1981-1993)

• Position: Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 243 lbs

Rickey Jackson is the cornerstone of the Saints’ legendary “Dome Patrol” defense and one of the most feared linebackers in NFL history. 

Known for his toughness, speed, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback, Jackson was the driving force behind the Saints’ defense throughout the 80s and early 90s. He consistently put up elite sack numbers and was a versatile defender, excelling against both the pass and the run. 

Jackson’s leadership and ability to elevate the play of his teammates made him a key figure in turning the Saints into a competitive franchise during his era. His legacy as one of the best linebackers in NFL history was cemented when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 6x Pro Bowler
• 4x First-Team All-Pro
• Saints all-time leader in sacks (115)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2010)

#1: Drew Brees (2006-2020)

• Position: Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 209 lbs

Drew Brees is not only the greatest player in New Orleans Saints history but also one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. When Brees arrived in New Orleans in 2006, he quickly transformed the franchise into a perennial contender. 

Known for his pinpoint accuracy, leadership, and football IQ, Brees shattered numerous NFL passing records, including career passing yards and completions. His leadership during the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV run in 2009 brought the franchise its first-ever championship, solidifying his place in both Saints and NFL history. 

Brees’ impact on the city of New Orleans, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, extends far beyond football, as he became a symbol of hope and resilience for the community. His legacy is defined by his record-breaking achievements and his role in transforming the Saints into a powerhouse.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 13x Pro Bowler
• Super Bowl XLIV MVP
• NFL’s all-time leader in career passing yards (80,358) and completions (7,142)
• 2x NFL Offensive Player of the Year
• NFL 2010s All-Decade Team