Best Saints By The Numbers: #89

All summer long, we’re going to list the best players in New Orleans Saints history to wear every number, 00-99.

Yesterday, we did #88.

Today, #89:

The pick: Quinn Early

When deciding who is the best New Orleans Saints player to ever wear #89, the choice is limited to defensive end Dave Long, tight ends Kent Kramer, Bert Askson, Lamont Hall, Dave Stachelski, and Sean Ryan, and receivers Gil Chapman, Len Willis, Wes Chandler, Aundra Thompson, Tyrone Young, Joe Thomas, Robert Clark, Mike Jones, Derrick Shepard, Quinn Early, Mercury Hayes, Brett Bech, Wane McGarity, Derrick Lewis, and Jamal Jones.

A native of West Hempstead, New York, Early spent the first three years of his career in San Diego, compiling 55 catches for 735 yards and 5 touchdowns, while being named to the Pro Bowl four times.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Early joined the Saints prior to the 1991 season and became an immediate starter, catching 31 passes for 541 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with the franchise.

Early's best two seasons were the 1994-1995 campaigns, when he caught a combined 163 passes for 1,983 yards and 12 touchdowns, eclipsing 80 receptions in both years.

Following the 1995 season, Early left the Saints, and joined the Buffalo Bills, with whom he played for three seasons, before playing one season for the New York Jets, prior to retiring following the 1999 campaign.

In 5 seasons with the Saints, Early totaled 270 receptions for 3,758 yards and 25 touchdowns.

In 12 NFL seasons, Early finished with 460 catches for 6,448 yards and 40 touchdowns.