It's been a rocky half-century for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. The Louisiana- based franchise have been in and out of playoff contention and have struggled to get a stronghold of the NFC South division. But, there have been some incredible seasons that show that the Saints can be competitive, given the right pieces. They've had solid weapons who've led New Orleans to amazing runs in their almost 60 years in the league. And, when you take about the best quarterbacks to ever play for the franchise, a few key figures come to mind. Here are the top five all-time Saints QBs.
5. Billy Kilmer (1967-1970)
Though Saints Hall of Famer Billy Kilmer only played for the Saints for four short seasons, the Kansas-born playmaker was still able to make the most out of his time in New Orleans. Initially picked up at the expansion draft as a backup QB, Kilmer immediately proved that he should be the Saint's main option. One of the highest points in his stay in New Orleans was in 1969 (arguably his best season for the Saints) when they were up against the St. Louis Cardinals. Kilmer threw 345 yards and rallied six touchdowns in their 51-42 win. The two-time All Pro ranks as the sixth all-time in the franchise's history in passing yards (7,490), completions (59) and touchdown passes (47).
4. Aaron Brooks (2000-2005)
Another Saints Hall of Famer makes this list. It's none other than QB Aaron Brooks. Brooks immediately took over the starting job for New Orleans after being traded from the Green Bay Packers. He would go on to defeat defending champions St. Louis Rams in his very first game as a QB for the Saints being the first ever QB in NFL history to defeat the reigning champions in his first career start. This would be a sign of great things to come for the Virginia native. In 2003, Brooks tallied a 88.8 QBR and an impressive 3:1 touchdown to interception ratio. In his sex season career in New Orleans, Brooks threw a total of 19,156 yards which is third in franchise history and also tallied 120 touchdowns which is second all-time for the Saints.
3. Bobby Hebert (1985-1992)
Iconic Saints signal-caller Bobby Hebert is definitely part of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play for the city of New Orleans. After three successful years in the United States Football League leading the Michigan Panthers to a championship, Hebert made his way to the NFL and signed with the Saints. It took quite some time before Hebert landed the starting role but when he did, he would not disappoint. Hebert became the starting playmaker for the Saints in 1987 where he led the team to it's first-ever winning season and playoff appearance. The Pro Bowler currently sits fourth in the all-time franchise list for both total yards and touchdowns.
2. Archie Manning (1971-1982)
Arguably one of the most popular Saints in the team's history, Archie Manning surely deserves to be recognized as one of the best passers to ever suit up for New Orleans. A College Football Hall of Fame inductee, Manning was the Saints' second overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft. He lead the NFC in passing yards the following year with 2,781 and scored and threw a total of 18 touchdown passes. Manning did have to sit out the entire 1976 season due to an injury but would come back and throw over 3,000 yards in his next three seasons and would make it to the Pro Bowl twice in those seasons. He was also the NFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1978. After 11 seasons in New Orleans, Manning totaled 115 touchdowns for the Saints and has been awarded both the New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame.
1. Drew Brees (2006-present)
You can't be the only Super Bowl MVP for the Saints and not make it to the top of the list, can you? At the top of the Saints' Mt. Rushmore of quarterbacks is current head honcho Drew Brees. Brees hasn't looked back since he was signed by the team in 2005 and was one of the key pieces in the Saints' only championship run in 2009. The Texas native threw touchdown passes in the Saints' 31-17 win against the Indianapolis Colts to win it all in Super Bowl XLIV. And, Brees seems to have not put his foot off the pedal one bit. Brees has made it to the Pro Bowl 12 times as part of the Saints and has garnered a ton of individual awards along the way. He's led the league seven times in passing yards, six times in completion percentages and four times in passing touchdowns. Once he decides to hang up his cleats, Brees will undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in franchise history.
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