The New Orleans Saints have a long and storied history of impressive defensive backs, and while many of them were heavily focused on coverage over ball-tracking, there are still some who did exceptionally well at both. Interceptions are a bit of a mixed bag when it comes down to how they are picked up, as some just fall into the player’s lap, while others are significantly more difficult to bring down. As is with any other football statistic, there are many different factors.
When it comes to the Saints and their franchise history, though, there are plenty of players who acquired enough interceptions to put it beyond a reasonable doubt that they were ball-hawking. While there is no one player who is far and away the best in this category, there are plenty who did a great job in their time. So, let’s take a look at the top 20 in franchise history.
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Honorable Mention: S Tyrann Mathieu (2022-2024): 10 interceptions in 51 games played
Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) defends a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
20. DB Malcolm Jenkins (2009-2021): 10 interceptions in 103 games played
October 21, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
19. CB Vince Buck (1990-1995): 10 interceptions in 84 games played
9 Dec 1990: Defensive back Vince Buck of the New Orleans Saints moves down the field during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Saints won the game, 24-20.
18. CB Paulson Adebo (2021-2024): 10 interceptions in 52 games played
Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) returns an interception against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
17. CB Patrick Robinson (2010-2020): 11 interceptions in 84 games played
New Orleans Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson (21) runs back an intercepted pass for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles tight end Clay Harbor (82) gives chase during their NFL football game in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 5, 2012. REUTERS/Sean Gardner (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)
16. SS Hugo Hollas (1970-1972): 11 interceptions in 39 games played
Nov 29, 1970; Cincinnati, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cincinnati Bengals running back Paul Robinson (18) in action against New Orleans Saints safety Hugo Hollas (18) at Riverfront Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK
15. FS Frank Wattelet (1981-1987): 12 interceptions in 91 games played
SAN FRANCISCO – SEPTEMBER 21: Safety Frank Wattelet #49 and linebacker Rickey Jackson #57 of the New Orleans Saints make a play against running back Roger Craig #33 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)
14. CB Ashley Ambrose (1999-2004): 12 interceptions in 41 games played
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 5: Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers has a pass broken up by Ashley Ambrose #33 of the New Orleans Saints on October 5, 2003 at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers defeated the Saints 19-13. (Photo by Craig Jones/Getty Images)
13. DB Fred Thomas (2000-2007): 13 interceptions in 109 games played
IRVING, TX – DECEMBER 12: Cornerback Fred Thomas #22 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates during the game against the Dallas Cowboys on December 12, 2004 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The Saints defeated the Cowboys 27-13. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
12. CB Mike McKenzie (2004-2009): 13 interceptions in 68 games played
Dec. 2, 2007; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback (34) Mike McKenzie celebrates after his team scored a safety against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Louisiana Superdome. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports
11. S Marcus Williams (2017-2021): 15 interceptions in 76 games played
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 07: Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints intercepts this touchdown reception intended for Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
10. DB Brett Maxie (1985-1993): 15 interceptions in 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
9. CB Marshon Lattimore (2017-2024): 15 interceptions in 97 games played
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 15: Marshon Lattimore #23 of the New Orleans Saints returns an interception for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 15, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Lions 52-38. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
8. CB Ernie Jackson (1972-1977): 15 interceptions in 71 games played
Jun 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of the Saints helmet during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
7. DB Toi Cook (1987-1993): 16 interceptions in 101 games played
Sep 24, 1989; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints defensive back Toi Cook (41) on the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium during the 1989 season. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photots-USA TODAY Sports
6. CB Johnnie Poe (1981-1987): 17 interceptions in 100 games played
Jan 13, 1988; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints defensive back Johnnie Poe (25) makes a leaping interception in front of Minnesota Vikings running back Allen Rice (36) during the 1987 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at the Superdome. The Vikings defeated the Saints 44-10. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports
5. CB Dave Whitsell (1967-1969): 19 interceptions in 42 games played
Nov 14, 1965; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive back Dave Whitsell (23) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. The Bears defeated the Cardinals 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
4. FS Gene Atkins (1987-1993): 21 interceptions in 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
3. SS Sammy Knight (1997-2002): 28 interceptions in 94 games played
New Orleans Saints’ Sammy Knight runs back an interception from the end zone to the Saints’ seven yard line 08 November at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN. The pass was thrown by Minnesota Viking’s Brad Johnson in the final seconds of the first half. Minnesota won 31-24. AFP PHOTO/Craig LASSIG (Photo by CRAIG LASSIG / AFP) (Photo credit should read CRAIG LASSIG/AFP via Getty Images)
2. FS Tom Myers (1972-1981): 36 interceptions in 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
1. CB Dave Waymer (1980-1989): 37 interceptions in 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)
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Which New Orleans Saints players picked off the most interceptions?