With the emergence of Tyler Shough, no one expected the New Orleans Saints to spend even a second on the 2026 quarterback class. That, however, has not been the case. While the Saints obviously aren't in the market for a new starter, they did bring in Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels for a private workout, per NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
The draft a quarterback every year method typically stops once you find your quarterback. Daniels is a late round and potentially undrafted free agent candidate, so there's no true threat to the top of quarterback room. Kellen Moore has mentioned doing his research on quarterbacks when he was with the Eagles. This seems to way of operating.
After visiting the Patriots on Friday, Kansas QB Jalon Daniels is in Tampa today for a Top 30 visit with the Bucs, per source.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 13, 2026
The 6’1, 219 lb Daniels also had private workouts with the Saints, Bills, Chargers, and Chiefs earlier this spring. pic.twitter.com/QK1Z0Ev1L0
Saints showing surprise interest in a quarterback means little for QBs on roster
Putting Daniels through a workout doesn’t mean the Saints are going to pick Daniels. It isn’t even an accurate gauge of interest level. It is strange to see the team showing any interest in a quarterback at all, whether minor or serious.Â
The Saints quarterback room seems pretty set to go. Shough is the clear cut starter. The recent addition of Zach Wilson suggests a competition between him and Spencer Rattler for the backup role.Â
They will likely pick up another arm for training camp. Last year, the Saints went through camp with four players, and it figures they’ll do the same this year. Maybe Daniels is being evaluated for that exact purpose. It was just unexpected to see the Saints entertain a quarterback with a workout for that reason.
Even with this workout, the Saints shouldn't be expected to draft Daniels. They've done the due dilligence to prepare for Daniels going undrafted. At that point, he may become an option.
The true question around the quarterback orom is Rattler's future. He still figures to garner the Saints some late round draft picks in a potential trade. The Saints have to determine if those late picks hold more value than him as a quality backup. A Rattler trade makes room for a third quarterback on the main roster. Without a Rattler trade, Daniels or any other young quarterback picked up is likely a practice squad player.
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