Stabler played for the Saints from 1982-84 and handled starting duties for the club from 1982-83. In 1982, he was signed by head coach Bum Phillips and quarterbacked New Orleans to a 4-5 record as the Saints narrowly missed the playoffs. In 1983 under his leadership, the Saints finished 8-8 for the second time in franchise history under Stabler’s leadership.
Drafted by Oakland in the second round of the 1968 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders, Stabler assumed starting quarterback duties for Oakland in 1973. He was named AFC player of the year in 1974 and 1976. In 1976, Stabler completed 194 of 291 passes (66.