The New Orleans Saints have had plenty of talented defensive players come through their doors over the years, some of whom still remain with the team, while others go back as far as when the franchise first started off. While it may be rather obvious who amongst them has played the most games at the very top, there are some surprise names as well who played a substantial amount of time with the team. Young fans have had the opportunity to watch one of, if not the greatest, defensive players in franchise history over the last 14 years, and he will continue to add to his games played tally in 2025.
With that said, let’s take a look at the top 20 franchise leaders in games played on defense, and who among them played for the most years as well:
20. DE Joe Johnson (1994-2001): 106 games played
10 Sep 2000: Joe Johnson #94 of the New Orleans Saints looks down the bench during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Saints defeated the Chargers 28-27.Mandatory Credit: Jeff Gross /Allsport
19. FS Gene Atkins (1987-1993): 107 games played
11 Dec 1988: Defensive back Gene Atkins 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, 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport
18. ROLB Pat Swilling (1986-1992): 107 games played
17 Nov 1991: Linebacker Pat Swilling of the New Orleans Saints moves down the field during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers won the game, 24-21.
17. DB Fred Thomas (2000-2007): 109 games played
Sept 25, 2006; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints (22) Fred Thomas breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons (87) Ashley Lelie in the second quarter of the Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports Copyright Matt Stamey
16. MLB Demario Davis (2018-present): 114 games played
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 31: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints react after Brady throws an interception returned for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 31, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
15. DB Brett Maxie (1985-1993): 118 games played
Sep 24, 1989; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive back Brett Maxie (38) during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. FILE PHOTO; Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
14. DE Charles Grant (2002-2009): 118 games played
September 7, 2008; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant (94) celebrates sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia (not pictured) during the first half at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. New Orleans defeated Tampa Bay 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
13. RILB Vaughan Johnson (1986-1993): 120 games played
Sep 24, 1989; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Vaughan Johnson (53) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. FILE PHOTO; Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
12. SS Roman Harper (2006-2016): 124 games played
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 07: Roman Harper #41 of the New Orleans Saints reacts to a play against the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
11. MLB Joe Federspiel (1972-1980): 130 games played
Nov 26, 1978; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints linebacker Joe Federspiel (58) on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
10. LILB Sam Mills (1986-1994): 133 games played
ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 9: Linebacker Sam Mills #51 of the New Orleans Saints stands on the field during an NFL game on December 9, 1990 against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Saints defeated the Rams 24-21. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
9. FS Tom Myers (1972-1981): 136 games played
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Saints helmet during warmups against the Atlanta Falcons at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
8. DE Will Smith (2004-2012): 139 games played
Dec 30, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51) celebrates with teammates defensive end Will Smith (91) and New defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) after scoring a touchdown on an interception off Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (not pictured) during second quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
7. CB Dave Waymer (1980-1989): 149 games played
SAN FRANCISCO – NOVEMBER 15: Safety Dave Waymer #44 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after a play during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 15, 1987 in San Francisco, California. The Saints won 26-24. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
6. DT Derland Moore (1973-1985): 170 games played
Jan 1, 1972, New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Lucious Selmon (98) and Derland Moore (97) tackle Auburn Tigers running back Tommy Lowry (24) during the 1972 Sugar Bowl at Tulane Stadium. The Sooners defeated the Tigers 40-22. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
5. DE Wayne Martin (1989-1999): 171 games played
24 Sep 1989: Defensive end Wayne Martin of the New Orleans Saints in action during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won the game 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Allen Steele /Allsport
4. DE Jim Wilks (1981-1993): 183 games played
Oct 22, 1989; Anaheim, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jim Everett (11) in action against New Orleans Saints defenders Jim Wilks (94) and Toi Cook (41) at Anaheim Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
3. DE Frank Warren (1981-1994): 189 games played
4 DEC 1994: LOS ANGELES RAMS” QUARTERBACK CHRIS MILLER TRIRES TO EVADE THE NEW ORLEANS DEFENSE OF DARION CARTER #58, FRANK WARREN #73 AND JOE JOHNSON #94, DURING THE FIRST HALF AT ANAHEIM STADIUM IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn/ALL
2. LOLB Rickey Jackson (1981-1993): 195 games played
3 NOV 1991: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS LINEBACKER RICKEY JACKSON #57 TRIES TO AVOID THE BLOCK OF LOS ANGELES RAMS OFFENSIVE LINEMAN JACKIE SLATER #78 DURING THE SAINTS 24-17 WIN AT ANAHEIM STADIUM IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA.
1. DE Cameron Jordan (2011-present): 226 games played
Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) does the ÒWho Dat?Ó chant before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Which 20 Saints are franchise leaders in games played on defense?