NEW ORLEANS (March 15, 2006) -- Aaron Brooks was cut, the same day the Saints introduced Drew Brees as their new starting quarterback.
Brooks' stay in New Orleans was effectively over after he endured his worst season in 2005, throwing for 13 touchdowns and 17 interceptions before being benched with three games remaining in the season. New Orleans finished 3-13.
While the Saints were usually mired in mediocrity while he was a starter, causing his popularity with fans to waiver, his name is now prominent in the club record books.
After Jeff Blake sustained a season-ending injury in the 11th game of the 2000 season, Brooks came in and went on to start a record 82 consecutive regular-season games. He led the Saints to the only playoff victory in club history in 2000.
Brooks threw for more than 20 touchdowns and 3,500 yards in each of the ensuing four seasons -- the best streaks in either category in club history. Last season he reached 120 career touchdown passes with the Saints, surpassing the old club record of 115 held by Archie Manning.
As good as he was, he may be most remembered in New Orleans for his untimely interceptions, fumbles and botched plays, like when he tried to avoid being sacked by throwing an inaccurate backward pass to lineman Wayne Gandy in a lopsided loss to San Diego in 2004. Deuce McAllister ended up chasing it down and falling on it for a huge loss.
