Offensive guard isn't the glamorous offensive line position that tackle or center can be. It's generally not a first-round emphasis in the draft, an autograph-magnet job or the one that comes to mind when rattling off names of standout players from high-powered offenses.
But that doesn't mean it's not a Pro Football Hall of Fame-worthy role, and playing right guard in the manner that he did for 11 seasons in New Orleans for the Saints — and for 12 years overall — should unquestionably earn that honor for Jahri Evans.
The third time should be the charm for the second-most decorated offensive lineman in franchise history, behind Hall of Fame tackle Willie Roaf.
Evans, who also was an HOF finalist in 2024 and '25, started all 179 games he played with the Saints — 169 regular-season and 10 in the playoffs, including the win in Super Bowl XLIV. And he was a dominant force for an offense that boasts one of the greatest passers in NFL history (Drew Brees) and was annually among the most high-powered units during his tenure, from 2006-16.
"The interior of the line I think oftentimes gets overlooked in our league — the importance of center and guards," said Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis, who led the front office and coaching staff that drafted Evans. "Certainly, with Drew, keeping that spot — three yards behind the line of scrimmage — it was important to protect that. And Jahri and the guys that he played with over the years did a great job during that time frame. Jahri was a huge element of that. I think he should definitely be in the Hall of Fame."
In a five-year span from 2008-12, the Saints led the NFL in scoring three times (2008, '09 and '11) and finished third once (2012). And during Evans' tenure New Orleans was top five in yards per game every season, and led the league in '06, '08, '09, '11, '14, '15 and '16.
Along the way, Evans, a fourth-round pick from Bloomsburg, was a five-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler who was named to the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team, the Saints 50th Anniversary Team and is a member of the Saints Hall of Fame who was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor.
"He was one of the most important elements on an offense that had historically — over that time frame — it was unlike anything seen in the NFL in the history of the league," Loomis said.
"That period of time, where I think we were No. 1 in offense (seven) times — the amount of points, the amount of yards, just the offensive output — and Jahri was a huge part of that.
"I think there's a disadvantage when you play in one of the smaller markets that isn't a media hub. But I think Jahri would already be in had he played for the Bears or for the Giants or one of these big-market teams. He'd already be in. That's what I think."
Evans, a Saints assistant offensive line coach last season, should be in this year. A little later than hoped, but it's where he belongs.
