Jake Haener has a new home for the first time in his career. Haener's been with the New Orleans Saints since they drafted him in 2023. Because the Saints cut Haener, he didn't have to wait for free agency to start to sign elsewhere. On Monday, it was announced that he would be signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network initially reported the news, but the quarterback himself made the announcement on his Instagram. "This game exposes you to so many great people. I’m grateful for the lessons and memories in the city of New Orleans. I want to thank the Saints Organization and everyone involved," Haener said in an Instagram post. "It’s time for a fresh start in Kansas City!! Excited for what’s next!"
At the moment the details of the contract are unclear. However, with the Chiefs' old backup QB Gardner Minshew testing free agency, Haener might have an elevated role with his new team.
A Jake Haener-Saints divorce was a long time coming
From an outside perspective, Jake Haener's departure from the Saints isn't surprising. In fact, it's a separation that many saw coming at the start of this season.
In his three seasons with the Saints, Haener only managed to start in one game, though he did see action in eight. All eight games were last year, under Dennis Allen, and the current regime in New Orleans never felt the need to give Haener a shot. This year, Kellen Moore did give him some first-team reps during training camp, but he was clearly never in the race with Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler. As the regular season started, he was the de facto third-string quarterback in town.
In his eight appearances, Haener only had 39 pass attempts. He completed 18 of them (46.2% completion percentage) for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. That's a stark contrast from what Haener has shown in the practices he's had under both DA and Moore, and honestly, the prime example of his Achilles heel: every time he gets on the field, he gets the yips.
If Haener can get over his on-the-field struggles, he should have no problem finding a new home in Kansas City. But his time in the Crescent City was done.