The New Orleans Saints have a few players who belong in Hall of Fame conversations: Alvin Kamara, Cameron Jordan and Tyrann Mathieu. Two of the three were listed among the top 30 Hall of Fame resumes among active players.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon ranked these 30 players then separated them into categories: locks, on the brink, significant work to do and longshots. Jordan and Kamara found themselves in the latter two categories while Mathieu was left off the list.
Jordan landed in the “significant work to do” section because of his lack of All-Pro seasons and team success. Truthfully, Jordan’s biggest detriment may be his style of play.
He is an All-Decade Team member who does everything, but he’s more of an all-around player than a pass rush star. It has led to Jordan being under-discussed through his career and could lead to him missing the Hall too.
Gagnon has Kamara as a longshot because, “his peak was too short and he likely wasn’t a strong enough pure rusher to make it.” It’s difficult to argue this. Pete Carmichael’s confusing usage of Kamara halted what felt like a possible Hall of Fame career.
Kamara’s recent struggles makes his case very difficult to make, especially at a position that isn’t valued highly in modern football. Surprisingly, Christian McCaffrey didn’t make this list anywhere.
Mathieu should have been on the list. Like Jordan, he was 2010’s All-Decade player. The 11-year veteran is a three-time first-team All-Pro. He also has a Super Bowl on his resume.
Numbers can’t quantify this, but Mathieu is a trailblazer for the versatile defensive back we’re seeing more often in the NFL. His accolades and impact on the game are more than worthy of a spot on this list. Let’s hope he isn’t overlooked when the time comes for voters to discuss his resume.
