Over the course of time, New Orleans Saints pass catchers have played a vital role in some of the most glorious passing seasons ever. With countless All-Pro and Pro Bowl-level talents, many have cemented themselves in the history books as cornerstones of one of the league’s most dynamic aerial attacks.
From clutch playoff performances to record-setting regular seasons, these players helped elevated their respective offenses for decades. Whether it was stretching the field, making contested catches, or as security blanket for their quarterback, each of these players contributed mightily to the evolution of offense in New Orleans.
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Here’s a look at the top 20 all-time receiving yardage leaders in New Orleans Saints history:
20. TE Dave Parks (1968-1972): 2,254 receiving yards
Dave Parks played for the New Orleans Saints after four years with the San Francisco 49ers. The Abilene High grad, who died last week at 77, played 10 seasons in the NFL. Reporter-News files, Abilene Reporter-News via Imagn Content Services, LLC
19. WR Michael Haynes (1994-1996): 2,368 receiving yards
SAN FRANCISCO – SEPTEMBER 25: Wide receiver Michael Haynes #81 of the New Orleans Saints carries the ball for yards against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Candlestick Park on September 25, 1994 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers defeated the Saints 24-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
18. WR Chris Olave (2022-present): 2,565 receiving yards
Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
17. RB Pierre Thomas (2007-2014): 2,608 receiving yards
NEW ORLEANS – JANUARY 24: Pierre Thomas #23 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
16. WR Robert Meachem (2008-2014): 2,707 receiving yards
Nov 25, 2010; Arlington, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints receiver Robert Meachem (17) makes a catch on the final drive in the fourht quarter against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman (41) at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons- USA TODAY Sports
15. WR Donte’ Stallworth (2002-2005): 2,791 receiving yards
Oct 5, 2003; Charlotte, NC, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints receiver (83) Donte Stallworth in action against the Carolina Panthers during the 2003 season. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Preston Mack-USA TODAY Sports
14. WR Wes Chandler (1978-1981): 2,801 receiving yards
SAN DIEGO Ð 1987: Wide receiver Wes Chandler #89 of the San Diego Chargers reaches for a pass at the endzone during a 1987 NFL game against the Denver Broncos at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
13. WR Brandin Cooks (2014-2016): 2,861 receiving yards
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) carries the ball after a catch for a touchdown in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
12. TE Henry Childs (1974-1980): 3,224 receiving yards
Nov 26, 1978; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints tight end Henry Childs (85) on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
11. WR Quinn Early (1991-1995): 3,758 receiving yards
Nov 17, 1991; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints receiver Quinn Early (89) in action against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
10. TE Hoby Brenner (1981-1993): 3,849 receiving yards
Oct 13, 1985; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints tight end Hoby Brenner (85) is defended by Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Reggie McKenzie (54) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY Sports
9. WR Lance Moore (2006-2013): 4,281 receiving yards
Feb 7, 2010; Miami, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lance Moore (16) reaches the ball across the goal line against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jacob Lacey (27) for a two-point conversion during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIV at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
8. WR Devery Henderson (2004-2012): 4,377 receiving yards
NEW ORLEANS – DECEMBER 07: Devery Henderson #19 of the New Orleans Saints avoids a tackle by Domonique Foxworth #24 of the Atlanta Falcons on his way to a 36 yard gain on December 7, 2008 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Falcons 29-25. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
7. RB Alvin Kamara (2017-present): 4,762 receiving yards
Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) catches a pass against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
6. TE Jimmy Graham (2010-2023): 4,791 receiving yards
NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 15: Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a touchdown during a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 15, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
5. WR Danny Abramowicz (1967-1973): 4,875 receiving yards
Nov 12, 1972; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints tight end Danny Abramowicz (46) on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
4. WR Michael Thomas (2016-2023): 6,569 receiving yards
Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
3. WR Joe Horn (2000-2006): 7,622 receiving yards
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Joe Horn brings in a seven yard touchdown pass from Saints quarterback Jeff Blake in the fourth quarter in San Diego September, 10, 2000. The touchdown proved to be the winning score as the Chargers failed to score on their final possession. JTL/ME
2. WR Eric Martin (1985-1993): 7,854 receiving yards
1987: Wide receiver Eric Martin #84 of the New Orleans Saints sits on the sideline during a 1987 NFL game. (Photo by Otto Gruele Jr/Getty Images)
1. WR Marques Colston (2006-2015): 9,759 receiving yards
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) scores on a 26-yard catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Ranking top 20 receiving yards leaders in Saints franchise history