NEW ORLEANS — The past and future of New Orleans football collided Thursday morning. While the greatest quarterback in franchise history stands on the doorstep of immortality, the team’s newest signal-caller is fighting for his own piece of hardware.
Saints legend Drew Brees, in his first year of eligibility, has been named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Joining him is his longtime protector, guard Jahri Evans, marking a massive day for the Black and Gold faithful.
But the headlines didn’t stop with the legends. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was announced as a finalist for the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and linebacker Demario Davis earned his third nomination for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
The Canton Call: Brees and Evans
It was never a matter of if, but when. Brees, who rewrote the NFL record books over 20 seasons, is now one vote away from a gold jacket. He retired in 2020 holding the league’s most prestigious passing records, including 80,358 yards and 571 touchdowns. For 15 years in New Orleans, he didn’t just play quarterback; he was the heartbeat of a city, leading the franchise to its only championship in Super Bowl XLIV.
His blindside protector is right there with him. Jahri Evans, a finalist for the third consecutive year, redefined the guard position. A six-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-Team All-Pro, Evans was the engine of an offensive line that kept Brees clean for a decade. He currently serves on the Saints’ coaching staff, mentoring the next generation of linemen.
The New Era: Tyler Shough
While Brees dominates the history books, Tyler Shough is writing a compelling first chapter. Selected 40th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shough was thrust into the spotlight and delivered.
In 11 games (nine starts), the Louisville product played with the poise of a veteran. He completed 67.6% of his passes—the third-highest mark ever for a qualifying rookie—throwing for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His 103.3 passer rating on third down led the entire NFL, a stat that screams “clutch.”
Shough aims to join George Rogers (1981), Rueben Mayes (1986), and Alvin Kamara (2017) as the only Saints to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Heart of the Defense
Demario Davis continues to defy Father Time. In his 14th NFL season, the linebacker remained an unstoppable force, racking up a team-high 143 tackles and anchoring a defense that finished ninth in net yards allowed per game.
Beyond the hash marks, Davis’s impact is even profounder. His selection as the Saints’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee highlights his relentless work with the Devoted Dreamers Foundation. He is also a finalist for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, recognizing his integrity in competition.
“You look at what Drew and Jahri built here, the standard they set… that’s the north star. To be mentioned in the same breath as those guys, even just on a press release day, is humbling. But we’ve got work to do to get back to where they took this team.” — Tyler Shough, Saints Quarterback
What’s Next
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be announced live during the NFL Honors broadcast on Thursday night before the Super Bowl. Brees is a virtual lock, but Evans faces a crowded room of offensive linemen. Meanwhile, Shough faces stiff competition for OROY, but his historic efficiency numbers give him a strong case with the voters.
