Jake Haener

ANALYSIS
Haener was suspended for the first six games of his 2023 campaign and has yet to make his NFL debut. However, the 6-foot-1 signal-caller should have a chance to establish himself as QB2 after New Orleans made several changes at the quarterback position this offseason. Last year's No. 2 QB Jameis Winston signed with the Colts in March. Meanwhile, the Saints signed veteran backup Nathan Peterman and fourth-year pro Kellen Mond this offseason before selecting Spencer Rattler in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Carr is still clearly set as the starter, but the competition to be his primary reserve figures to be wide open this offseason. Haener's experience within the Saints' quarterback room should give him an immediate leg up on Peterman, Mond and Rattler. The 33-year-old Taysom Hill also is listed as a quarterback by the Saints, but he's better described as a multi-use player who regularly slots in at positions across the offense and special teams. It's highly unlikely that the team will carry more than three quarterbacks on the active roster during the 2024 campaign. Therefore, it will be worth monitoring how this competition shapes up during offseason workouts and training camp while projecting this QB depth chart.

ANALYSIS
Haener's unlikely to push for regular-season playing time since the Saints have veterans Derek Carr and Jameis Winston ahead of him on the depth chart. The rookie fourth-round pick could be a player to keep an eye on for the future, though, and Haener should get plenty of opportunities to further impress the Saints' coaching staff in the preseason. Haener likely would have been drafted earlier if he were a couple inches taller, but Duncan notes that the 5-foot-11 quarterback hasn't been hindered by his smaller stature in practice.