Saints may not appear in NFL’s preseason Hall of Fame game

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints celebrated a milestone moment earlier this year when legendary quarterback Drew Brees was named a Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee at the 2026 NFL Honors ceremony.  

He was likely one of the easiest first ballot players to be voted in in recent memory. While he was named an inductee, his actual induction will not take place until the summer, connected to the NFL’s annual Hall of Fame preseason matchup that takes place one week before the NFL preseason officially kicks off.

Many assumed that the Saints and likely Arizona Cardinals were a probable matchup for that game, but things appear to be trending against the Saints participating instead. 

Nola.com columnist Jeff Duncan shared what he was hearing about the game this week. 

I know everyone is excited about the possibility of the Saints playing in the @ProFootballHOF game in Canton on Aug. 6, but it complicates things for the Saints, who are scheduled for two other preseason road games, including one potentially in California where they hope to again…

— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) February 24, 2026

With two road games upcoming for this year’s preseason and a likely week-long stint back in California expected, the prospects of New Orleans making a trip to Canton, Ohio appear dim. 

Sources have confirmed with LouisianaSports.net that the trip is “at the very least uncertain.”

What actually happens remains to be seen with the NFL schedule release usually held until May. But for now, it looks at least unlikely that the Saints will take the field for the Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson stadium this year. 

However, it’s more than certain that several Saints staffers, players and otherwise relevant to Brees’ remarkable run in the Crescent City will still be in attendance even if the team isn’t suited up.