The first Saints unofficial depth chart is here but still absent is the answer to the #1 question of the off-season: Who's the starting quarterback? Left as a three-way tie between Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, there is still no name for who will lead the New Orleans offense in 2025.
It's pretty reminiscent of Cars (2006), a movie that saw its own three-way tie. But it also reinforces what the players and staff have been saying all offseason: Haener, Rattler, and Shough are neck and neck in the starting quarterback competition.
As of this Wednesday, the Saints have yet to say how the time will be divided between the three during the first game of the preseason. But they are sticking to what they've always said, despite how others may see it.
What's to be learned from this? To not forget about Jake Haener.
Jake Haener has been with the team since he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Failing to do much more than show some flashes, the Saints have drafted two more quarterbacks since the selection of Haener. The Rattler and Shough draft picks have caused Haener to become the forgotten man in the quarterback room.
Serving mainly as a backup his rookie season, it was last year when Haener saw his first NFL start. Once the lights came on, however, they seemed to be a bit bright for him. Seeing action in eight games with one start, he completed just 18 of 39 attempts (46.2%) for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Nonetheless, in spite of what some might call sub-par stats, players on the team are still excited about what Haener has to offer. Defensive endCam Jordan had high praise for the man out of Fresno State. "He comes into practice with this determination that nobody ever talks about," the future Saints Ring of Honor Member said. "But he's a little gunslinger."
All attention has been on Rattler and Shough, but Haener is still firmly entrenched in this battle. Sunday's preseason opener will go a long way to keeping that statement true. The quarterback rotation after the game will be very telling.