Jake Haener Getting Legitimate Opportunity in Saints’ Three-Man Quarterback Battle…read more…
The New Orleans Saints have entered training camp with one of the NFL’s more intriguing quarterback competitions, and second-year passer Jake Haener is right in the thick of it. What was once assumed to be a battle between veteran Derek Carr and backup Jameis Winston is now shaping up to be a true three-man race, with head coach Dennis Allen confirming that Haener is getting a “real shot” to earn the starting role.
This development marks a significant turn for the 2023 fourth-round pick, who spent most of his rookie season learning behind Carr and Winston. Now, with Carr coming off an uneven first year in New Orleans and Winston fighting for relevancy after years of inconsistency, Haener has a legitimate opportunity to leapfrog the depth chart.
A Re-Opened Quarterback Race
Coach Dennis Allen didn’t mince words during his training camp media availability on Friday.
“This isn’t a ceremonial competition,” Allen said. “We’re going to put the best guy on the field Week 1. Jake has earned the right to get first-team reps and show what he can do.”
Allen noted that while Carr remains the favorite to start based on experience and contract, the coaching staff has been impressed with Haener’s growth throughout the offseason.
“He’s made a real jump,” Allen added. “We saw flashes of it last year, but the command, the anticipation—those things are more consistent now. He’s not here to just hold a clipboard.”
Haener’s Ascent
Jake Haener’s rise shouldn’t come as a complete surprise. The former Fresno State standout showed an advanced understanding of pro-style concepts in college and impressed with his decision-making and accuracy in limited preseason action last year. He completed 73% of his passes in the 2024 preseason, with two touchdowns and no interceptions, but was relegated to the inactive list most of the season due to the depth at the position.
Now, with a year of learning under his belt and a clearer path to playing time, Haener is attacking every opportunity.
“I’ve treated every day like I’m the starter since I got here,” Haener told reporters after Friday’s practice. “This year, I feel a lot more comfortable. I know the system, the guys, the expectations. I’m just trying to stack good days and put my best foot forward.”
Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak echoed the sentiment, praising Haener for his “football IQ” and “ability to process quickly.”
“He sees the field really well,” Kubiak said. “What’s impressed me is how quickly he’s recognizing coverages and making the right reads. That’s what you want in a quarterback.”
The Carr Conundrum
Veteran starter Derek Carr was brought in on a four-year, $150 million deal ahead of the 2023 season and started all 17 games last year. His performance was mixed—he threw for over 3,800 yards and 22 touchdowns, but also had 11 interceptions and struggled in key late-game situations. The Saints missed the playoffs for the third straight season.
Carr is fully healthy and still taking most of the first-team reps, but insiders say the leash may be shorter than expected.
“This isn’t about money anymore,” said one NFC South scout. “The Saints are in a win-now window with an aging defense and good skill talent. If Haener gives them a better chance, they’ll go with him.”
Carr, for his part, is saying all the right things.
“I love the competition,” Carr told the media this week. “I’ve been doing this a long time. I’m focused on helping the team and being the best version of myself. If Jake or Jameis pushes me, that’s only going to make us all better.”
Jameis in the Mix
Jameis Winston, now in his fifth year with New Orleans, is still very much in the conversation as well. He’s reportedly looked sharper than expected in early camp practices and offers the team a high-upside option if he can cut down on turnovers.
“He’s had some really good throws,” said quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry. “The ball placement, velocity—it’s there. It’s just about consistency.”
Winston remains a fan favorite, and his experience could become a factor if Carr falters and Haener proves not quite ready for primetime.
Still, the buzz around Haener has clearly grown louder.
Locker Room Support
Several Saints players have voiced support for Haener’s rise.
Tight end Juwan Johnson said, “Jake’s got command, man. You can feel it in the huddle. He’s not shy, he’s confident, and he puts the ball where it needs to be.”
Wideout Rashid Shaheed added, “We’ve been throwing with him all offseason. He’s got timing with the receivers down. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins it.”
Even veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu chimed in with praise.
“Our defense has been seeing a lot of him, and he’s not backing down,” Mathieu said. “That’s what you want from your quarterback.”
What’s Next?
The Saints’ preseason opener on August 10 against the Houston Texans will likely offer the first glimpse of how serious the three-man race truly is. All three quarterbacks are expected to play, and Allen suggested that Haener will get a “fair share” of reps with both first- and second-team units.
“If you want to win the job, you’ve got to do it in live action,” Allen said. “The preseason will tell us a lot.”
Outlook for Week 1
The Saints open the regular season against the division-rival Carolina Panthers on September 8. While Carr remains the betting favorite to start, momentum is clearly building behind Haener.
Whether he wins the job outright or simply secures the No. 2 role, the 2025 season appears to be Jake Haener’s true introduction to the NFL spotlight.
“He’s no longer just a developmental guy,” Allen said. “He’s in this thing to compete.”
A
nd in New Orleans, the quarterback race just got a whole lot more interesting.
