Will this be his year? Former New Orleans Saints right guard Jahri Evans is a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist for the Class of 2024, the Hall announced Tuesday. Evans is one of 25 modern-era semifinalists, along with first-timers Antonio Gates, Julius Peppers, and Tiki Barber. He also reached this stage in 2023, his first year of eligibility.
The right guard earned many accolades in New Orleans: six Pro Bowl appearances; four placements on the All-Pro first team; and a coveted spot on the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade team for the 2010s. Evans won a championship ring in Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints and has joined the team’s coaching staff in his post-playing career.
We’ll have to wait and see if Evans’ resume is strong enough to set him apart from his peers. The list of 15 modern-era player finalists will be announced in the weeks ahead, with the Class of 2024 selected in February. Stay tuned.