Saints Archive of Struggles: 5 Worst QBs in New Orleans History

Saints Archive of Struggles: 5 Worst QBs in New Orleans History

The Saints have gone through numerous highs and lows in their footballing history. From the thrill of winning a Super Bowl in 2009 to enduring long stretches of mediocrity, the quarterback position has often been a source of inconsistency. While Drew Brees is universally recognized as the greatest quarterback in franchise history, not every signal-caller who donned the black and gold has had a successful career. Below are five quarterbacks whose tenures with the Saints were marked by struggles, missed opportunities, and overall disappointment.

David Carr (2006)

David Carr is most remembered for his time with the Houston Texans, where he was sacked more than any other quarterback in NFL history up until that point. After being drafted first overall in 2002, his career was derailed by an offensive line that was unable to protect him. In 2006, Carr spent a brief time with the Saints, but his stint in New Orleans didn’t offer any relief. Despite having a solid preseason, Carr failed to secure the starting job and ultimately didn’t make a significant impact. His inability to deliver during his short tenure in New Orleans cemented his place as one of the Saints’ worst quarterbacks.

Brock Berlin (2004)

Brock Berlin’s career in New Orleans was a forgettable one. After a promising college career at the University of Miami, Berlin was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Saints. He had a brief, uninspiring stint, appearing in only a few games during the 2004 season. Berlin lacked the skill set and maturity needed to excel in the NFL, and his failure to make a real impact left him out of the league after just a few seasons. His time in New Orleans was a reminder that not all quarterbacks translate well from college stardom to the pro game.

Aaron Brooks (2000-2005)

While Aaron Brooks had some productive seasons with the Saints, his inconsistency and struggles with decision-making often overshadowed his occasional flashes of brilliance. Brooks was a part of the Saints’ offense for several seasons, but his lack of accuracy and propensity for throwing interceptions made him a polarizing figure. At his best, Brooks helped the Saints make the playoffs in 2000 and 2006, but at his worst, he would squander opportunities with erratic play. In the end, Brooks’ career with New Orleans was more about potential than achievement, and he was never able to fulfill the promise that had many believing he could be the future of the franchise.

Jake Delhomme (1997-1999)

Before Jake Delhomme became a solid starter for the Carolina Panthers and led them to a Super Bowl appearance, he struggled to find a footing with the Saints. Delhomme was with New Orleans for several seasons as a backup and had limited opportunities to showcase his abilities. When he did get a chance, Delhomme failed to make a lasting impression, throwing just one touchdown and several interceptions in his brief appearances. His time with the Saints was largely forgettable, and it wasn’t until he moved on to Carolina that Delhomme found success in the NFL.

Clint Stoerner (2000)

Clint Stoerner’s time with the Saints was as brief as it was underwhelming. After being undrafted in 1999, Stoerner found a spot on the Saints roster in 2000. However, the former University of Arkansas star never developed into an NFL-caliber quarterback. Stoerner played in a single game for the Saints, struggling with accuracy and general decision-making.

His brief appearance left him quickly out of the league, and his short-lived career remains one of the most forgettable in franchise history.

While the New Orleans Saints have been fortunate enough to find stability and success at the quarterback position in recent years, their history is filled with quarterbacks who struggled to make an impact.

From early draft busts to players who failed to live up to expectations, these five quarterbacks represent the more difficult chapters in the franchise’s history. Thankfully, the Saints have learned from these setbacks, and with Drew Brees leading the way, New Orleans is now recognized as one of the most successful teams in the NFL in terms of quarterback play.