Saints have big week ahead at NFL Honors

By Ross Jackson

For a team that started the season going 1-8 through the first nine games, the New Orleans Saints have a busy week ahead at Super Bowl week with at least three potential big moments at NFL Honors.

Drew Brees expected to go into Pro Football Hall of Fame

After being named a finalist along with former teammate and offensive lineman Jahri Evans, former Saints quarterback Drew Brees is expected to be named to the league’s 2026 Hall of Fame class. Brees has long been anticipated as a first ballot Hall of Famer and on Thursday night during NFL Honors, the Saints and their fans will learn whether or not that expectation was accurate.

Brees, the franchise’s best player in its history, led the team to its first and only Super Bowl during the 2009-10 season, is a Super Bowl MVP and two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, holds the most 5,000 yard passing seasons by a single quarterback in NFL history (5), led the NFL in passing yards seven times and led the league in passing touchdowns four times while landing one First-Team All-Pro nod in 2026 along with a whopping 13 Pro Bowl selections throughout his career. 

It’s safe to say that Brees not headlining this year’s Hall of Fame class would be a massive shock.

Tyler Shough is up for Offensive Rookie of the Year

Despite the team starting the year 1-8, Shough led the club to a 5-3 record over the final three games, going 5-4 as a starter. We’ve outlined his case for one of the league’s most prestigious awards, but the belief is that Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan will ultimately walk away hoisting the trophy.

Shough deserves the award if he wins, however. He achieved the most wins of any rookie quarterback in the 2025 class, was one of the best third down and fourth quarter passers in the NFL and helped to revitalize the Saints’ season and future outlook.

Demario Davis has a strong shot at Walter Payton Man of the Year

While so much of the offseason focus around Davis has been centered around his playing future, the contributions he’s presented to the city of New Orleans and beyond with his community service and advocacy are worth just as much attention.

Davis has been an active participant in community events, local legislature and education programs throughout his entire career and the fact that he’s not yet been awarded a Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy during his playing time is a genuine shock to some. This year, he stands a real chance to bring home the award and become only the second New Orleans Saints player to do so in the franchise’s history.