Top 10 Passing Yards Leaders in New Orleans Saints History
#1 — Drew Brees (2006–2020)
#2 — Archie Manning (1971–1982)
Archie Manning carried the Saints through their formative years, often operating behind weak offensive lines and limited supporting casts. Despite team struggles, he earned Pro Bowl honors and built a reputation as one of the toughest and most respected quarterbacks of the 1970s.
Why he matters: He was the Saints’ first true franchise quarterback.
#3 — Aaron Brooks (2000–2005)
Career Passing Yards (Saints): 19,156
Aaron Brooks quarterbacked the Saints during one of their most successful early periods, leading the team to their first-ever playoff win in 2000. A strong deep passer with mobility, Brooks helped modernize the Saints’ offense before the Brees era.
Why he matters: He bridged the gap between early Saints football and the modern passing era.
#4 — Bobby Hebert (1985–1992)
Career Passing Yards (Saints): 14,630
The “Cajun Cannon” was the face of the Saints during their rise to respectability in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his strong arm and durability, Hebert led multiple playoff teams and helped establish a winning culture.
Why he matters: He quarterbacked the Saints’ first sustained success.
#5 — Jim Everett (1994–1995)
Career Passing Yards (Saints): 10,622
Though his Saints tenure was brief, Jim Everett delivered immediate production, throwing for over 4,000 yards in 1995. His two seasons remain among the most statistically productive short runs by a Saints quarterback.
Why he matters: One of the most efficient short-term passers in team history.
#6 — Billy Kilmer (1967–1970)
Career Passing Yards (Saints): 7,490
An original Saints quarterback, Billy Kilmer helped establish the team in its early years. Playing in a run-heavy era, his passing totals reflect the challenges of launching a new franchise.
Why he matters: One of the Saints’ earliest offensive leaders.
#7 — Dave Wilson (1981–1988)
Career Passing Yards (Saints): 7,489
Dave Wilson provided stability during the early 1980s and played a key role in the Saints’ first winning season in 1987. While not flashy, he helped move the franchise toward legitimacy.
Why he matters: Part of the foundation that led to the Dome Patrol era.
#8 — Derek Carr (2023–2024)
Career Passing Yards (Saints): 6023
Derek Carr arrived in New Orleans as a veteran starter tasked with stabilizing the Saints’ offense in the post–Drew Brees era. Serving as the team’s primary quarterback across two seasons, Carr delivered solid passing production while operating within a transitional offense that balanced efficiency with ball control.
Why he matters: Derek Carr was the closest thing to consistent starting quarterback of the Saints since the departure of Drew Brees in 2020. Stared 27 games for them.
#9 — Steve Walsh (1990-1993)
Career Passing Yards (Saints): 3879
Steve Walsh served as the Saints’ primary quarterback during the early 1990s, stepping into the starting role as the franchise continued its climb toward sustained competitiveness. A former first-round pick, Walsh brought a controlled, efficient passing style that complemented a defense-first Saints team during the Dome Patrol era.
He provided steady quarterback play during a pivotal transition period, helping maintain continuity for playoff-caliber Saints teams in the early 1990s.
#10 — Kenny Stabler (Saints 1982-1984)
Career Passing Yards (Saints): 3670
The Snake. After 10 seasons, a Super Bowl in Oakland & 2 in Houston a 37-year old Kenny Stabler joined Bum Phillips in 1982 and spent 3 seasons in New Orleans. Came within 1 game of the playoffs in 1983.
Why he matters: In the final chapter of his career, Kenny Stabler gave the Saints a proven veteran presence, lending experience and leadership to a team finally beginning to emerge from its early failures.
All-Time Top 50 Saints Career Passing Yards
| Rk | Player | Yards | Games | Years Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drew Brees | 68010 | 228 | 2006-2020 | |
| 2 | Archie Manning | 21734 | 134 | 1971-1982 | |
| 3 | Aaron Brooks | 19156 | 85 | 2000-2005 | |
| 4 | Bobby Hebert | 14630 | 78 | 1985-1992 | |
| 5 | Jim Everett | 10622 | 47 | 1994-1996 | |
| 6 | Billy Kilmer | 7490 | 49 | 1967-1970 | |
| 7 | Dave Wilson | 6987 | 53 | 1981-1988 | |
| 8 | Derek Carr | 6023 | 27 | 2023-2024 | |
| 9 | Steve Walsh | 3879 | 22 | 1990-1993 | |
| 10 | Ken Stabler | 3670 | 25 | 1982-1984 | |
| 11 | Billy Joe Tolliver | 3343 | 17 | 1998-1999 | |
| 12 | Spencer Rattler | 2903 | 16 | 2024-2025 | |
| 13 | Andy Dalton | 2871 | 14 | 2022-2022 | |
| 14 | Bobby Scott | 2781 | 41 | 1973-1981 | |
| 15 | Edd Hargett | 2727 | 44 | 1969-1972 | |
| 16 | Wade Wilson | 2629 | 18 | 1993-1994 | |
| 17 | Taysom Hill | 2426 | 117 | 2017-2025 | |
| 18 | Richard Todd | 2369 | 17 | 1984-1985 | |
| 19 | Jameis Winston | 2367 | 21 | 2020-2023 | |
| 20 | John Fourcade | 2312 | 24 | 1987-1990 | |
| 21 | Tyler Shough | 2125 | 10 | 2025-2025 | |
| 22 | Billy Joe Hobert | 2031 | 15 | 1997-1999 | |
| 23 | Jeff Blake | 2025 | 12 | 2000-2001 | |
| 24 | Gary Cuozzo | 1562 | 13 | 1967-1967 | |
| 25 | Teddy Bridgewater | 1502 | 14 | 2018-2019 | |
| 26 | Bobby Douglass | 1418 | 15 | 1976-1977 | |
| 27 | Danny Wuerffel | 1404 | 16 | 1997-1999 | |
| 28 | Heath Shuler | 1288 | 10 | 1997-1997 | |
| 29 | Kerry Collins | 1202 | 7 | 1998-1998 | |
| 30 | Trevor Siemian | 1154 | 6 | 2021-2021 | |
| 31 | Todd Bouman | 803 | 36 | 2003-2005 | |
| 32 | Jake Delhomme | 634 | 6 | 1999-2002 | |
| 33 | Mike Buck | 519 | 8 | 1991-1993 | |
| 34 | Doug Nussmeier | 455 | 5 | 1996-1997 | |
| 35 | Larry Cipa | 424 | 8 | 1974-1975 | |
| 36 | Luke McCown | 335 | 40 | 2013-2015 | |
| 37 | Karl Sweetan | 318 | 5 | 1968-1968 | |
| 38 | Jim Ninowski | 227 | 4 | 1969-1969 | |
| 39 | Jake Haener | 226 | 8 | 2024-2024 | |
| 40 | Guido Merkens | 213 | 74 | 1980-1985 | |
| 41 | Jamie Martin | 208 | 19 | 2006-2007 | |
| 42 | Ian Book | 135 | 1 | 2021-2021 | |
| 43 | Ronnie Lee South | 129 | 4 | 1968-1968 | |
| 44 | Dalton Hilliard | 114 | 108 | 1986-1993 | |
| 45 | Mark Brunell | 102 | 18 | 2008-2009 | |
| 46 | Tony Galbreath | 70 | 75 | 1976-1980 | |
| 47 | Russell Erxleben | 63 | 58 | 1979-1983 | |
| 48 | Gary Wood | 62 | 2 | 1967-1967 | |
| 49 | Tom Barrington | 57 | 51 | 1967-1970 | |
| 50 | Chase Daniel | 55 | 46 | 2010-2012 |
