Saints Land Several on Hall of Fame Ballot

Several former New Orleans players appear on the list of 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame nominees, including a first appearance by one of the best linemen in franchise history.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 173 modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 on Tuesday. This list will be voted down to 25 semifinalists in November, with the 2024 Hall of Fame nominees announced around Super Bowl LVIII.  

There are nine first-year eligible players on this year's ballot. One of them is former New Orleans Saints C Max Unger. Here is a list of other former New Orleans players on this year's modern-era ballot.

• Jake Delhomme, QB

• John Kuhn, FB

• Lorenzo Neal, FB

• Ricky Williams, RB 

• Joe Horn, WR

• Wesley Walls, TE

• Jahri Evans, OL

• Olin Kreutz, OL

• Max Unger, OL

(first time eligible)

• La'Roi Glover, DT

• Eric Allen, CB

• John Kasay, K

Unger, now 37, began his NFL career as a second-round choice in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks out of Oregon. He'd play his first six seasons in Seattle, where he earned two Pro Bowl berths and one 1st Team All-Pro honor.

Nov 19, 2017; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws a throw as center Max Unger (60) protects against the Washington Redskins. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

In the offseason of 2015, Unger was traded to the New Orleans Saints in a package that sent Saints All-Pro TE Jimmy Graham to Seattle. Unger would play his final four NFL seasons in New Orleans. He started 67 of a possible 68 games for the Saints, including playoffs. He'd retire after the 2018 campaign after earning the third Pro Bowl berth of his career. 

During Unger's tenure with New Orleans, QB Drew Brees was annually among the least-sacked quarterbacks in the NFL. Over that four-year span, the Saints ranked first or second in total offense three times, first or second in passing production twice with a third season ranking fifth, and a top-five rushing attack once.

An elite technician, Unger anchored an offensive line that was considered among the NFL's top units. It was a line that helped pave the way for two 4,000-yard seasons and a 5,000-yard campaign for Brees, five 1,000-yard receivers (Michael Thomas and Brandin Cooks), and two 1,000-yard rushing seasons from Mark Ingram.