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

Today, #17:

The pick: Jim Everett

When deciding who is the best New Orleans Saints player to ever wear #17, the choice is limited to quarterbacks Billy Kilmer and Jim Everett, receivers Speedy Thomas and Robert Meachem, and punters Mitch Berger and  Rick Partridge.

The choice is between Everett and Meachem, but we're going with Everett, who played for the Saints from 1994-1996, and who ranks fifth in franchise history in completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns.

After finishing his college career at Purdue, where he finished sixth in the 1985 Heisman Trophy voting, Everett was selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the third-overall pick of the 1986 NFL Draft.

Elected to the 1990 Pro Bowl, Everett threw for 23,758 yards and 142 touchdowns in 8 seasons with the Rams.

A native of Emporia. Kansas, Everett joined the Saints in 1994, and promptly threw for 3,855 yards and 22 touchdowns, before following that up with 3,970 passing yards and 26 scores in 1995.

In his final season with New Orleans, Everett struggled, throwing for 2,797 yards, along with 12 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

In three seasons with the Saints, Everett passed for 10,622 yards and 60 touchdowns, which at the time ranked him third in both categories on the all-time franchise charts.

The 6-foot-5, 212-pound Everett, who finished his career in 1997, playing one season with the San Diego Chargers, accumulated 34,837 career passing yards, along with 203 touchdown passes, over 12 NFL seasons.

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