The New Orleans Saints are three months away, specifically 90 days, from their 2025 season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. New Orleans is attempting to better their 5-12 record from a year ago under new head coach Kellen Moore.
One of several returning players for the Saints is defensive lineman Bryan Bresee, who will be wearing number 90 for New Orleans. Entering his third season, Bresee is the 15th player to wear No. 90 in franchise history. Here's a look back at the list.
Saints History of 90
Aug 20, 2016; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nick Fairley (90) chases down Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller (13). Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images
• Walter Johnson, LB (1989)
• James Williams, LB (1990-94)
• Israel Stanley, DT (1995)
• Jared Tomich, DE (1997-2000)
• Kenny Smith, DT (2001-03)
• DeMario Pressley, DT (2009)
• Turk McBride, DT (2011-12)
• Tavaris Barnes, DT (2015)
• Nick Fairley, DT (2016)
• George Johnson, DE (2017)
• Jay Bromley, DT (2018)
• Malcom Brown, DT (2019-20)
• Montravius Adams, DT (2021)
• Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE (2021-22)
• Bryan Bresee, DT (2023-present)
New Orleans Saints defensive end Jared Tomich (90) makes a tackle against the Chicago Bears. Credit: nwitimes.com
Louisiana Tech product Johnson was the first to suit up in 90 for the Saints after coming over from the Oilers. He'd last only one year in New Orleans after playing 15 games of mostly special teams duty.
Williams came along the following year and spent five years buried on the depth chart behind the Dome Patrol. He still played in 78 contests, making 20 starts, and recorded 3 sacks along with 2 interceptions.
Stanley had 2 sacks and forced a fumble in 14 games during his only year as a Saint. A second round choice in the 1997 NFL Draft out of Nebraska, Tomich recorded 10 sacks and forced 4 fumbles in 55 games with 18 starts over four years with New Orleans.
Nov 3, 1991; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jim Everett (11) hits the ground in front of New Orleans Saints linebacker James Williams (90). Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
Smith, a 2001 third round pick out of Alabama, managed only 4.5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss in his three years on the squad. Pressley was injured his 2008 rookie year than had 3 stops for loss in 2009 during his lone season as a Saint.
McBride had 2 sacks during his two years with New Orleans. Barnes was a little-used reserve and only played one NFL season. Johnson, Bromley, and Adams played a combined 10 outings with the Saints in 2017, 2018 and 2021, respectively.
Fairley also played just one year (2016) for New Orleans. A first round choice by the Lions in 2011, Fairley looked like he was resurrecting his career after joining the Saints with a career-best 6.5 sacks, 22 QB hits, and 9 stops for loss. After signing a four-year contract extension with the team during the 2017 offseason, a routine physical revealed a heart condition that would end Fairley's football career.
Malcom Brown was an underrated run stopper for the Saints during his two-year run with the team. Over 29 starts, Brown also added 3.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss. The Saints run defense has deteriorated since his departure.
Kpassagnon had been with the Saints for the previous four seasons. He wore No. 90 for the first two of those years before switching to No. 92. In his two years sporting 90, Kpassagnon had 6 sacks and 19 QB hits over 23 outings.
Bresee looks like a cornerstone for a rebuilding New Orleans defense. A first round choice out of Clemson in 2023, Bresee is already arguably the most productive player to wear No. 90 for the Saints after just two years.
Bresee has 12 career sacks with 23 QB hits and 14 tackles for loss. His 7.5 sacks led the team last year, as he added 19 pressures and 7 tackles for negative yardage. Bresee's continued development is critical as New Orleans tries to rebound from a 30th defensive ranking last season.
