John Sigler
July 13, 2024 12:26 pm CT
New Orleans Saints fans have enjoyed the opportunity to see some talented receivers catch passes for their team over the years — but where do modern-day standouts like Alvin Kamara rank among the greatest in team history? What about Jimmy Graham? Michael Thomas has moved on, but where does he rank in the all-time record books? All three of them have made outstanding plays for the Saints, but so have guys like Joe Horn, Eric Martin, and the great Marques Colston.
Let’s run through the list of the top 20 career receiving yards leaders in Saints team history, a group that includes wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs:
20
RB Dalton Hilliard (1986-1993): 2,233 receiving yards in 108 games
22 Oct 1989: Running back Dalton Hilliard of the New Orleans Saints in action during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Saints won the game 40-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport
19
TE Dave Parks (1968-1972): 2,254 receiving yards in 63 games
Dave Parks played for the New Orleans Saints after four years with the San Francisco 49ers. The Abilene High grad, who died last week at 77, played 10 seasons in the NFL.
Reporter-News files, Abilene Reporter-News via Imagn Content Services, LLC
18
WR Michael Haynes (1994-1996): 2,368 receiving yards in 48 games
SAN FRANCISCO – SEPTEMBER 25: Wide receiver Michael Haynes #81 of the New Orleans Saints carries the ball for yards against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Candlestick Park on September 25, 1994 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers defeated the Saints 24-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
17
RB Pierre Thomas (2007-2014): 2,707 receiving yards in 105 gammes
Feb 7, 2010; Miami, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
16
WR Robert Meachem (2008-2011, 2013-2014): 2,707 receiving yards in 88 games
December 4, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem (17) carries the ball for a 67 yard touchdown reception against Detroit Lions cornerback Eric Wright (21) during the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
15
WR Donte' Stallworth (2002-2005): 2,791 receiving yards in 56 games
Oct 5, 2003; Charlotte, NC, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints receiver (83) Donte Stallworth in action against the Carolina Panthers during the 2003 season. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Preston Mack-USA TODAY Sports
14
WR Wes Chandler (1978-1981): 2,801 receiving yards in 52 games
SAN DIEGO Ð 1987: Wide receiver Wes Chandler #89 of the San Diego Chargers reaches for a pass at the endzone during a 1987 NFL game against the Denver Broncos at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
13
WR Brandin Cooks (2014-2016): 2,861 receiving yards in 42 games
Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
12
TE Henry Childs (1974-1980): 3,224 receiving yards in 87 games
Nov 26, 1978; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints tight end Henry Childs (85) on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
11
WR Quinn Early (1991-1995): 3,758 receiving yards in 79games
Nov 17, 1991; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints receiver Quinn Early (89) in action against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
10
TE Hoby Brenner (1981-1993): 3,849 receiving yards in 175 games
SAN FRANCISCO – SEPTEMBER 21: Tight end Hoby Brenner #85 of the New Orleans Saints runs for yards past linebacker Keena Turner #58 of the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Candlestick Park on September 21, 1986 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 26-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
9
RB Alvin Kamara (2017-Present): 4,219 receiving yards in 101 games
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 26: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball after a reception in the first quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
8
WR Lance Moore (2006-2013): 4,219 receiving yards in 101 games
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 27: Lance Moore #16 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 27, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
7
WR Devery Henderson (2004-2012): 4,377 receiving yards in 124 games
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 25: Devery Henderson #19 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball during the game against the Houston Texans at the Louisiana Superdome on September 25, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
6
TE Jimmy Graham (2010-2014, 2023): 4,791 receiving yards in 91 games
NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 15: Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a touchdown during a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 15, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
5
WR Danny Abramowicz (1967-1973): 4,875 receiving yards in 85 games
Nov 12, 1972; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints tight end Danny Abramowicz (46) on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
4
WR Michael Thomas (2016-2023): 6,569 receiving yards in 83 games
Nov 4, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates with fans after a win against the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
3
WR Joe Horn (2000-2006): 7,622 receiving yards in 83 games
NEW ORLEANS – OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Joe Horn #87 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates his first quarter touchdown reception against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 15, 2006 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
2
WR Eric Martin (1985-1993): 7,854 receiving yards in 143 games
3 Oct 1993: Wide receiver Eric Martin of the New Orleans Saints moves the ball during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Saints won the game, 37-6.
1
WR Marques Colston (2006-2014): 9,759 receiving yards in 146 games
Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) fights for extra yards after a catch against Atlanta Falcons free safety Dwight Lowery (20) in the second half of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 37-34 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
