Saints quarterback on whether or not the team should sign a veteran

USA Today

5 days ago

Saints quarterback on whether or not the team should sign a veteran Jake Haener argues the Saints don't need another QB
The New Orleans Saints will have a new opening day starter at quarterback in 2025. With the retirement of Derek Carr, it's likely that either rookie Tyler Shough or second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler will be the starter when New Orleans opens their 2025 season at home against the Arizona Cardinals in September. Third-year signal caller Jake Haener and undrafted rookie Hunter Dekkers are also in the mix.
The four New Orleans quarterbacks have a collective total of 11 games of NFL experience and just seven starts. Those were divided up by Rattler and Haener last season, as they went a collective 0-7 in those games. Combined, Rattler and Haener have completed just 55.4% of their throws for an average of only 140 yards per game with 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The inexperience at the position has led many to believe that the Saints will sign a veteran quarterback before training camp.
Count Jake Haener as one that doesn't believe the Saints will, or should, make such a move. In an interview with NOLA.com last week, Haener gave some strong thoughts when asked if New Orleans should add a veteran backup.
''I mean, what are you going to get from that? Those guys (new coaches on the staff) are veterans, man. They've done it. They've been through it. … You've got everything you need in terms of what to look for, what to ask, what to see. They've seen it all. They've been around it.''
"If there's anything we're missing, that we don't have all the answers to the test — we're still young, we have a lot to learn — they're great resources to have. It allows you to see different perspectives,' Haener continued. "The coaches understand that, 'Hey, every quarterback is different.' And my footwork at times may be different from Spencer's and Tyler's. And we're going to build this thing up to the point where, 'Hey, you do whatever's comfortable if you're throwing the ball on time and on rhythm."
Haener was referring to the new coaches on the New Orleans offensive staff. Head coach Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, and quarterback coach Scott Tolzien were all NFL quarterbacks. Moore was a backups with the Lions and Cowboys for six years and played in five games. Nussmeier was a backup with the Saints for four years, Colts for one, and played one year in the CFL. He played in five games with New Orleans. Tolzien played in 10 games over seven years with the 49ers, Packers, and Colts.
Perhaps Haener is right, and the combined playing/coaching experience of Moore, Nussmeier, and Tolzien is enough. To his point, the Saints have not explored bringing in a veteran quarterback at this stage. The most notable veterans available in free agency are Carson Wentz and former Saint Teddy Bridgewater.
New Orleans has also been rumored to potentially go after Jameis Winston (Giants) or Kenny Pickett (Browns) in a trade. While it's unlikely that the Saints trade for a veteran quarterback, it is worth watching the situations in New York and Cleveland if the New Orleans quarterbacks don't perform well through this week's minicamp or early in training camp.
Haener won't be throwing many passes in minicamp and could possibly miss the early portion of training camp. He is dealing with an oblique injury suffered in practice last month. Haener appeared in four games last season, making one start. He completed 46% of his throws for 226 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Rattler made six starts and relieved Haener in another game. He had a 57% completion percentage with 1,317 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
New Orleans drafted Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough with the 40th overall choice, the eighth pick of the second round. It seems clear that the starting quarterback competition will be between Shough and Rattler. Whether the Saints explore the option of adding a veteran will depend on how well these two perform through minicamp and early training camp practices.