The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, and for Saints fans, there’s a lot to be excited about. Two franchise legends - quarterback Drew Brees and offensive lineman Jahri Evans - are among the 15 modern-era finalists. But with only five spots available, the odds are tough, and the spotlight this year is firmly on Brees.
Let’s start with the obvious: Brees is the headliner of this class. And in a group that includes Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Frank Gore, Terrell Suggs, Adam Vinatieri, and Jason Witten, that’s saying something.
Of the 15 finalists, only two are quarterbacks - Brees and longtime Giants signal-caller Eli Manning. But according to multiple league sources, Manning didn’t make the final cut this year.
That leaves Brees as the lone quarterback likely heading to Canton in this cycle.
And frankly, that makes sense. When you stack the resumes side by side, Brees doesn’t just have the edge - he dominates the conversation.
We’re talking about a quarterback who led the league in just about every passing category that matters: completion percentage, total yards, yards per attempt, yards per game, touchdowns, and passer rating. He did it with incredible consistency and efficiency, not just longevity. Yes, Brees played 51 more games than Manning, but it wasn’t just about the volume - it was about how he played.
Brees owns three of the top five single-season completion percentage marks in NFL history, including the top two spots, which he set in back-to-back seasons (2018 and 2019). That’s not just elite quarterbacking - that’s surgical precision over a sustained period.
His career accolades back it up. Brees earned nine more Pro Bowl nods than Manning, five more All-Pro selections, and two AP Offensive Player of the Year awards. Those are the kind of honors that move the needle for Hall of Fame voters.
Of course, Eli Manning’s story is far from over. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion who delivered in the biggest moments, and his legacy with the Giants - especially in an era when the franchise has struggled to find its footing - carries weight.
But first-ballot Hall of Fame status is reserved for the game’s most dominant, most transcendent players. And right now, Brees fits that bill more cleanly.
As for Jahri Evans, his case is strong too. A six-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-Team All-Pro, Evans was a cornerstone of the Saints’ offensive line during the team’s most successful era.
His presence helped anchor the protection that allowed Brees to become one of the most prolific passers in NFL history. Whether Evans gets in this year or down the line, his impact on the game - and on one of the league’s most dynamic offenses - is undeniable.
So while it’s unlikely we’ll see both Saints legends enshrined in the same class, there’s a strong chance one of them - and most likely Brees - will be donning the gold jacket this summer. And if that happens, it won’t just be a win for New Orleans. It’ll be a celebration of one of the most remarkable quarterback careers the league has ever seen.