In the heart of the Big Easy, where jazz meets passion and resilience defines the people, the New Orleans Saints have carved out a football identity powered by leadership, loyalty, and grit. But no player embodies the heart of a team quite like the quarterback — the field general responsible for not just plays, but legacies.
From unforgettable comebacks to playoff breakthroughs and historic Super Bowl glory, the Saints’ quarterback lineage tells the story of a franchise that rose from mediocrity to immortality. These five quarterbacks didn’t just throw touchdowns — they carried the hopes of a city and gave fans reason to believe.
Here are the five greatest quarterbacks in the history of the New Orleans Saints — the ones who led, endured, and defined generations of football in the Crescent City.
1. Drew Brees (2006–2020): The Savior of the Saints
If the Saints had a Mount Rushmore, Drew Brees wouldn’t just be on it — he’d be the first face carved in stone.
Brees didn’t just rewrite the Saints’ record books — he redefined what the franchise could be. Before he arrived in 2006, the Saints had only one playoff win. By the time he retired, they had become one of the NFL’s most consistent contenders, including a Super Bowl XLIV championship, multiple NFC South titles, and a reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.
What made Brees more than just a stat machine — although he did become the NFL’s all-time passing yards leader, a 13-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time Offensive Player of the Year — was his connection to the city. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Brees chose New Orleans when few others would. And he stayed, fought, and won for the people.
His legacy is eternal — not just for what he did with his arm, but for how he restored hope to a city in pain.
2. Archie Manning (1971–1982): The Lone Bright Spot
Before the Saints were winners, before there was a dome filled with noise and banners, there was Archie Manning — the toughest quarterback in the NFL’s toughest era.
Manning was drafted second overall in 1971 and thrown into one of the worst franchises in football. But through 12 years of hits, losses, and endless blitzes, he never gave up. He was a two-time Pro Bowler, a brilliant athlete, and a leader who made the best out of an impossible situation.
He never had a winning season in New Orleans. But Manning is remembered not for wins and losses — he’s remembered for loyalty, guts, and heart. He was the first Saints player to be loved because he stayed when he could have left. He’s still a beloved figure in the city, and his name echoes through generations.
3. Aaron Brooks (2000–2005): The Playoff Pioneer
In 2000, the Saints won their first-ever playoff game, and the man behind center was Aaron Brooks — the dual-threat quarterback who made history.
Brooks could sling the ball with the best of them. In fact, he threw for over 3,500 yards in three separate seasons and gave the Saints one of their most exciting offenses at the time. His mobility, confidence, and ability to extend plays made him a fan favorite in his early years.
But most importantly, Brooks helped push the Saints out of their “same old Saints” reputation. That 2000 playoff win over the St. Louis Rams felt like a new dawn. Even though inconsistency plagued his later years, his place in Saints history is forever secured.
4. Bobby Hebert (1985–1992): The Cajun Cannon
A Louisiana native with a cannon for an arm, Bobby Hebert wasn’t just a good quarterback — he was a symbol of local pride.
Hebert became the first Saints quarterback to guide the team to a winning season and the playoffs, leading a powerful squad that finally put the franchise on the map in the late ’80s and early ’90s. His leadership helped end a decades-long drought of irrelevance.
With the Dome Patrol defense backing him, Hebert didn’t need to carry the team every game, but he delivered when it mattered. Saints fans still cherish him not only for his on-field success, but for being one of their own — a hometown hero who helped legitimize the team.
5. Jim Everett (1994–1996): Short Stint, Big Arm
While his tenure was short and the Saints weren’t contenders in the mid-90s, Jim Everett quietly put together some very solid seasons.
He passed for over 3,000 yards in each of his three years, offering rare consistency during a rough stretch in team history. While not remembered with the same warmth as others, Everett’s contributions deserve recognition for helping maintain offensive production at a time when the team was rebuilding.
Honorable Mentions
Taysom Hill – A Swiss army knife used everywhere, but never had a true starting QB run.
Jameis Winston – Showed flashes, but plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
Steve Walsh & Wade Wilson – Veteran stopgaps with limited legacy impact.
Every great team has its field generals. For the Saints, these five men were more than quarterbacks — they were symbols of eras, leaders in chaos, and bearers of belief. From Brees’ brilliance to Manning’s courage, from Brooks’ playoff magic to Hebert’s homegrown pride — they each carried the franchise forward.
New Orleans is a city of resilience. These men embodied it every Sunday.
