There’s one notable former New Orleans Saints player on the ballot for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Jahri Evans. The repeat All-Pro and Pro Bowler won all sorts of accolades during his career with the Saints, and he’s soon going to learn whether or not he’ll be enshrined to the Hall of Fame. So will standout cornerback Eric Allen, who played for several teams including the Saints from 1995 to 1997.
Evans was a semifinalist in 2023, his first year of eligibility, but this time he’s one of 15 modern-era finalists. Along with three senior candidates and one coach/contributor, they’re all in the hunt for induction. The Class of 2024 will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday night. Here’s a look at all of the finalists:
DB Eric Allen
Modern era finalist (18th year of eligibility)
Resume: Philadelphia Eagles (1988–1994); New Orleans Saints (1995–97); Oakland Raiders (1998–2001)
DE Jared Allen
Modern era finalist (4th year of eligibility)
Resume: Kansas City Chiefs (2004–07); Minnesota Vikings (2008–2013); Chicago Bears (2014–15); Carolina Panthers (2015)
OT Willie Anderson
Modern era finalist (11th year of eligibility)
Resume: Cincinnati Bengals (1996–2007); Baltimore Ravens (2008)
OG Jahri Evans
Modern era finalist (2nd year of eligibility)
Resume: New Orleans Saints (2006–16); Green Bay Packers (2017)
DE Dwight Freeney
Modern era finalist (2nd year of eligibility)
Resume: Indianapolis Colts (2002–12); San Diego Chargers (2013–14); Arizona Cardinals (2015); Atlanta Falcons (2016); Seattle Seahawks (2017); Detroit Lions (2017)
TE Antonio Gates
Modern era finalist (1st year of eligibility)
Resume: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2003–18)
DB Rodney Harrison
Modern era finalist (11th year of eligibility)
Resume: San Diego Chargers (1994–2002); New England Patriots (2003–08)
PR/KR/WR Devin Hester
Modern era finalist (3rd year of eligibility)
Resume: Chicago Bears (2006–13); Atlanta Falcons (2014–15); Baltimore Ravens (2016); Seattle Seahawks (2016)
WR Torry Holt
Modern era finalist (10th year of eligibility)
Resume: St. Louis Rams (1999–2008); Jacksonville Jaguars (2009)
WR Andre Johnson
Modern era finalist (3rd year of eligibility)
Resume: Houston Texans (2003–14); Indianapolis Colts (2015); Tennessee Titans (2016)
DE Julius Peppers
Modern era finalist (1st year of eligibility)
Resume: Carolina Panthers (2002–2009); Chicago Bears (2010–13); Green Bay Packers (2014–2016); Carolina Panthers (2017–18)
RB Fred Taylor
Modern era finalist (9th year of eligibility)
Resume: Jacksonville Jaguars (1998–2008); New England Patriots (2009–10)
WR Reggie Wayne
Modern era finalist (5th year of eligibility)
Resume: Indianapolis Colts (2001–14)
LB Patrick Willis
Modern era finalist (5th year of eligibility)
Resume: San Francisco 49ers (2007–14)
S Darren Woodson
Modern era finalist (16th year of eligibility)
Resume: Dallas Cowboys (1992-2004)
LB Randy Gradishar
Senior finalist
Resume: Denver Broncos (1974–1983)
DT Steve McMichael
Senior finalist
Resume: New England Patriots (1980); Chicago Bears (1981–1993); Green Bay Packers (1994)
WR Art Powell
Senior finalist
Resume: Philadelphia Eagles (1959); New York Titans (1960–62); Oakland Raiders (1963–66); Buffalo Bills (1967); Minnesota Vikings (1968)
HC Buddy Parker
Contributor/coach finalist
Resume: Chicago Cardinals (1949) Co-head coach; Detroit Lions (1951–56) Head coach; Pittsburgh Steelers (1957–1964) Head coach
