The New Orleans Saints struggled early in the franchise's history but the last decade-plus they have turned their fortunes around. This is a team that has finally won a Super Bowl, and a big reason is because one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history. Outside of him, however, there have been a lot of good players throughout Saints history.

Let's look at the five best Saints players of all time.

5. Archie Manning

Back in the day, the Saints were bad, but Archie Manning gave the team some hope after being selected with the second-overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft. Even though he didn't lead the Saints to a lot of success on the field, that was more to do with the players that he was surrounded by rather than his quarterbacking talent.

Manning finished his career throwing for 21,734 yards, 115 touchdowns and 156 interceptions. His record was ugly, at 35-91-3, but he was more than just his win-loss totals. Manning did everything in his power to try to make it so the Saints were no longer the laughing stock of the NFL. In 1978, he was named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Year.

4. Marques Colston

At some point, Michael Thomas will probably pass him, but right now Marques Colston is still the best wide receiver to ever play for the Saints. Colston had a physical style of play that was a problem for defensive backs.

Colston was Drew Brees' favorite target when the two played together. He finished his career playing 146 games and catching 711 passes for 9,759 passes and 72 touchdowns. He was a big reason why the Saints were able to win the Super Bowl in 2009. Colston isn't praised as much as he should be, despite how much success he had during his career.

3. Willie Roaf

Willie “Nasty” Roaf is not only the best offensive lineman in Saints history, he is one of the best in NFL history. Roaf was selected eighth overall in the 1993 draft. During his career, he was named to the Pro Bowl 11 times thanks to his elite play in both the run and pass game. Roaf was also named to the 1990s and 2000's All-Decade team.

After an injury and a falling out with then-coach Jim Haslett, New Orleans moved on from Roaf. He did end up playing four more years with the Kansas City Chiefs before retiring. Roaf was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2. Rickey Jackson

On defense, the best player to ever put on the Saints uniform was Rickey Jackson. Before Brees came along, Jackson was long considered the best player in the team's history.

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JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

Jackson still ranks first in most defensive categories for the Saints. He has the record for forced fumbles, fumbles recovered and sacks. Jackson was a member of New Orleans from 1981-93. After leaving the Saints, he played two more seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times and after hanging up the cleats he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

1. Drew Brees

There isn't any doubt who the best player in Saints history is — it's Drew Brees.

For decades, the Saints were the laughing stock of the NFL, something that Brees helped to turn around. Brees has played 14 seasons with the Saints, starting 216 games and leading the team to a 133-83 record. Brees has thrown for 65,068 yards, and has 467 touchdowns compared to just 184 interceptions. He also led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory over the Indianapolis Colts, which will forever make him one of the most popular people in the city of New Orleans.

There is no doubt once Brees does decide to hang up the cleats he will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in Canton, Ohio.