Most Career Passing Yards by a New Orleans Saints Player

The New Orleans Saints’ quarterback history is a tale of perseverance, transformation, and greatness. While Drew Brees turned the franchise into a perennial contender, plenty of other QBs laid the foundation or kept the offense alive through leaner years. From Archie Manning’s gutsy play in the 1970s to Derek Carr’s recent arrival, this is a look at the top 10 quarterbacks in Saints history by career passing yards.

TOP 10 LIST

10. Ken Stabler – 3,670 Yards
The Snake closed out his career in New Orleans, adding nearly 4,000 yards to the Saints’ history book despite being best known for his time in Oakland.

9. Steve Walsh – 3,879 Yards
A steady presence in the early ‘90s, Walsh gave the Saints a competent signal-caller and nearly 4,000 yards during his run.

8. Derek Carr – 6,023 Yards
It didn’t take long. After just one season in the Big Easy, Carr has already cracked the top 10 — and he’s not done yet.

7. Dave Wilson – 6,987 Yards
Wilson played his entire career with the Saints in the ‘80s, quietly putting together nearly 7,000 yards during a transitional era.

6. Billy Kilmer – 7,490 Yards
One of the Saints’ original quarterbacks, Kilmer helped jump-start the franchise in the late 1960s before moving on to D.C.

5. Jim Everett – 10,622 Yards
Known for his days with the Rams, Everett brought leadership and production to New Orleans in the mid-’90s with over 10,000 passing yards.

4. Bobby Hebert – 14,630 Yards
The “Cajun Cannon” was the face of the franchise in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, helping lead the Saints to their first playoff appearances.

3. Aaron Brooks – 19,156 Yards
Brooks was as dynamic as they come — throwing lasers, extending plays, and becoming a fan favorite in the early 2000s with nearly 20,000 yards.

2. Archie Manning – 21,734 Yards
Despite playing on struggling teams, Manning showed toughness, consistency, and leadership while becoming one of the most respected passers in Saints history.

1. Drew Brees – 68,010 Yards
No Saint has ever done it better. Brees rewrote the NFL record books, brought a Super Bowl to New Orleans, and passed for over 68,000 yards as the face of the franchise for 15 years.

Ranking the 10 best career passing yard leaders in New Orleans Saints history

Top 50 Career Passing Performances in New Orleans Saints History

This list includes every Saints player with 50+ career passing yards — from legends like Drew Brees to forgotten fill-ins and trick-play specialists who left their mark in team stats.

From Hall of Fame greatness to blue-collar grit, the Saints’ quarterback lineage tells the story of a franchise built on resilience and eventual triumph. Drew Brees will always stand at the top, but the path to his arrival was paved by passers like Manning, Hebert, and Brooks. And with Derek Carr now in the mix, a new chapter may be just beginning.

FAQ Section

Who leads the Saints in career passing yards?
Drew Brees is the runaway leader with 68,010 passing yards.

Is Derek Carr already in the top 10?
Yes — after one season, Carr ranks 8th and continues to climb the all-time list.

Did Archie Manning ever lead the Saints to the playoffs?
Unfortunately, no — the Saints never reached the postseason during Manning’s time despite his strong play.

Which Saints QB had the most underrated run?
Aaron Brooks, who threw for over 19,000 yards and helped bring the team back into national relevance in the early 2000s.

Who was the first true franchise QB for New Orleans?
Archie Manning held that title through the 1970s, becoming the face of the franchise despite limited team success.
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