When will the Saints’ best join them?
What do Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley and Ja’Marr Chase have in common? They were some of the players to receive 99 overall ratings in Madden NFL 26, this year’s edition of EA Sports’ long-running video game franchise. Along with Justin Jefferson, Lane Johnson, and Myles Garrett, they make up the latest class of Madden’s exclusive 99 Club.
And a slick graphic from Bleacher Report Gridiron gave each of these players the gold-medal treatment they deserved, swapping their teams’ colors for black and gold. We probably won’t see Allen or Jackson throwing to Chase and Jefferson for the New Orleans Saints, but it’s a good vision. You can see it for yourself right here.
But how long has it been since the Saints were represented on the 99 Club? Pro Football Hall of Fame left tackle Willie Roaf made the cut on Madden NFL 99, and quarterback Drew Brees was recognized for Madden NFL 11 (not just on the 99 Club; he was also that year’s cover player). Fresh off of setting NFL records for catches and yards in a 16-game season, wide receiver Michael Thomas was highlighted on Madden NFL 21. So it’s been five years since a Saints player earned a 99 overall rating.
Hopefully the Saints can get one of their own in the 99 Club before too long. Five-time All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis is the highest-rated Saints player in this year’s game, with a 90 overall rating, followed up by Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy (89). But they’re the only players representing New Orleans in the game’s top 100 highest ratings. Let’s see if guys like young wide receiver Chris Olave, and offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga can elevate their game this season to stand among the best in the league.