10. Drew Brees

Team: New Orleans Saints

Position: QB

Experience: 18 Years

Over the last few years the NFL has become a pass-first league. With more and more teams turning to the air the importance of having an elite quarterback has become a more pressing need. In New Orleans, they have had their man at the spot cemented for quite some time. When they signed Drew Brees in 2006 not many could’ve predicted he would be one of the top QBs in the entire league over the next 12 years. With Brees, the Saints have helped bring about the offensive revolution that the NFL has undergone of late.

He began his career with the then-named San Diego Chargers and in his five years there he never once cracked 4,000 yards passing in a season. During his first season with New Orleans he capped out at 4,418 yards. Brees has only thrown for less than 4,000 yards once (last season) and has gone over 5,000 yards five different times. Despite his lack of height—he’s listed at six feet even—he has managed to develop into one of the greatest passers in the history of the sport. Not only does he lead all active players in total passing yards but his career marks of 74,437 yards and 6,586 completions are both records.

At first, a lot of the success or failures of the team landed squarely on the shoulders of their quarterback. In recent years, the additions of running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Michael Thomas have lessened the load. They also have made the offense in the Bayou even more electric. Both are playmakers capable of turning a simple pass into an explosive touchdown. With opposing defenses focused so much on them it makes it easier on Brees to decipher looks and coverages before the snap. With the amount of All-Pro talent this team has they will definitely be a contender for Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.

As we all know (and saw) the chance at possibly winning one last year was snatched away from the team when a pass interference penalty went uncalled as the team was driving to take the lead in the NFC Championship. However, New Orleans must not get caught up on harping on what could’ve been. If they focus on the present they will be much more likely to duplicate their run from a year ago. Heartbreak has been a theme of the Saints recent playoff appearances. Their last-second loss to the Minnesota Vikings came in 2017.

If there’s anyone with the skill, moxie, charisma, and leadership to steer this team back to the mountaintop it’s Brees. He has already brought one Super Bowl trophy to Louisiana and the team is primed to make a run at number two once more. He’s also attempting to fight off Father Time a little longer. He will turn 41 in mid-January but he has yet to show any signs of slowing down or losing his touch. New Orleans took a gamble on Brees in free agency 13 years ago and it has surely paid off for both parties.