Dennis Allen makes it clear the Saints’ backup quarterback spot is wide open

The quarterback position always gets a ton of attention every NFL season, and 2024 will be no different. As teams start their preparation for the season in training camp, everyone will be paying attention to all of the different quarterback situations throughout the league.

For some teams, that’s seeing if an elite quarterback can sustain his dominance. For others, it’s seeing if a young QB can take the leap to the next level. There are also some teams where people will be locked in on the backup quarterback competition.

That category is the one the New Orleans Saints fall in to. Entering 2024, Derek Carr, back for his second season with the Saints, is the unchallenged starter. However, Carr doesn’t have a clear backup. Second-year quarterback Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler are the two names that could fill the role.

Head coach Dennis Allen made it clear things will be decided in a wide-open training camp competition.

Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler will compete for Saints QB2 spot

ESPN’s Katherine Terrell recently highlighted Allen saying, “That thing is going to battle out all throughout training camp,” when discussing the QB2 role between Haener and Rattler.

Jake Haener has slightly more experience than Rattler, being drafted in the fourth-round of the 2023 Draft. However, his one year in the NFL was a rocky one, as he got suspended six games for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs. Still, Haener got to spend the year working with Jon Gruden, learning how to be an NFL quarterback.

Spencer Rattler, on the other hand, was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. While he was a mid-round selection, he was once believed to be a top draft pick. Many believe that talent is still in Rattler, and it’ll take the right situation to get it out. The Saints are hoping they’re that situation.

Both players are hoping they can be the No. 2 quarterback in New Orleans. It’s always unknown if a team will carry three quarterbacks into a season, so Rattler and Haener could be fighting for a roster spot as well.

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