Most of the attention in the Saints’ quarterback competition is focused on Spencer Rattler and second-round pick Tyler Shough, but the team has insisted Jake Haener is also involved and Friday’s practice showed that’s more than just idle chatter from head coach Kellen Moore.
Haener worked with the first team for the first time in the team’s third practice of training camp, which means all three quarterbacks have now had a chance to work with starters. Haener made it clear that he thinks he’s right there with his teammates when it comes to having a shot at being on the field in Week One.
“If I’ve learned one thing about this league, this league does not care about your feelings,” Haener said, via Matthew Paras of the Baton Rouge Advocate. “It doesn’t care about who you are, what you do. And it’s all about what you’ve done for me lately. And I believe this organization — respect them, they drafted me — if they didn’t truly believe I could be a guy that they think couldn’t win the starting job, they wouldn’t include me in it. Simple as that. They wouldn’t make me feel good about myself. I totally see it as a three-man race. I think I’ve earned that right.”
Future workloads will provide an idea of how much of a chance Haener has to actually win the job, but the Saints have little to lose by giving everyone a chance to put their best foot forward in the wake of Derek Carr’s retirement.
NFL Expert Names Worst QB Room in 2025 NFL Season
The New Orleans Saints enter the 2025 NFL season under scrutiny, with experts labeling their quarterback room as the league’s worst. Following Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement, the team faces a significant challenge in fielding a competent offense amid a transitional phase.
The current trio of Tyler Shough, Jake Haener, and Spencer Rattler has drawn harsh criticism, with analysts doubting their readiness to lead. Shough, a rookie expected to step in as the starter, brings potential but lacks refinement. Haener and Rattler, both of whom struggled in limited action last season, provide little confidence as reliable backups. This group suffered a crippling blow with Carr’s departure, leaving New Orleans scrambling for stability.
Head coach Kellen Moore, in his first year at the helm, is tasked with navigating this uphill battle. Training camp has focused on developing young talent and re-establishing the team’s core values. Moore’s approach includes rotating quarterback reps and leaning on a leadership council of veterans to guide the process. However, the lack of proven talent at the most critical position casts a shadow over the team’s immediate prospects.
Beyond the quarterback struggles, New Orleans faces salary cap constraints and a roster lacking depth. With $82.7 million in dead cap space and limited flexibility, the team’s ability to make impactful moves is restricted. Rebuilding while balancing financial realities adds another layer of complexity to the organization’s efforts to remain competitive.
