Chiefs Sign Former Saints Quarterback Amid Offseason Uncertainty with Patrick Mahomes

By Mike Moraitis

As the Kansas City Chiefs navigate a season of uncertainty with their quarterback position, the team has made a move to add some depth to their roster by signing former New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener. Haener, who was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, shared the news on Instagram with a post showing the outside of the Chiefs’ practice facility, captioned: “New beginnings.”

Haener’s Journey So Far

Jake Haener’s career thus far has been marked by limited playing time. After being drafted by the Saints in 2023, he appeared in eight games over his three seasons with the team, but only made one start. That start came in 2024, where he completed 4-of-10 passes for 49 yards and one interception. Over the course of his brief career, Haener has completed 18-of-39 passes for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Despite his lack of extensive playing time, Haener remained with the Saints’ practice squad throughout the 2025 season, after failing to make the 53-man roster last year. With his practice squad contract expiring in January 2026, Haener became eligible to sign with any team, and the Chiefs quickly took advantage of the opportunity to add him to their roster.

Quarterback Depth in Kansas City

Haener’s signing comes at a time of significant uncertainty at the quarterback position for the Kansas City Chiefs. The most notable uncertainty stems from the status of Patrick Mahomes, the team’s star quarterback. Mahomes, who suffered a torn ACL and LCL late in the 2025 season, is currently questionable for the start of the 2026 season. While Mahomes has proven to be one of the most resilient quarterbacks in the league, his injury has raised questions about his ability to return to full strength in time for the start of the new season.

To add further complexity, the Chiefs have other quarterbacks on their roster, including Chris Oladokun, who is under contract, and Gardner Minshew, who served as the backup quarterback last year but is now a pending free agent. This situation leaves the Chiefs in need of additional quarterback depth as they prepare for what could be a difficult season depending on Mahomes’ recovery.

Haener’s Role and Future in Kansas City

It is likely that Haener’s role with the Chiefs will be more about depth and development rather than immediate competition for a starting job. With Mahomes recovering from his injury, Haener is expected to be on a futures contract, meaning his immediate future is likely with the team’s practice squad rather than the active roster. This could serve as a low-risk opportunity for the Chiefs to evaluate Haener’s potential while waiting to see how Mahomes progresses in his recovery.

The Chiefs will likely still make an addition of an experienced veteran quarterback to act as an insurance policy for Mahomes. The need for a seasoned backup becomes even more pressing if Mahomes is not ready for the start of the 2026 season. A veteran quarterback could step in if necessary and provide stability for the team, especially in the early weeks of the season. This would make things difficult for both Oladokun and Haener, as their chances of making the 53-man roster could be slimmer if the Chiefs sign a more established quarterback.

What’s Next for the Chiefs

As the offseason continues, the Kansas City Chiefs will likely prioritize securing an experienced backup quarterback to provide a safety net for Mahomes. With Haener and Oladokun currently on the roster, the Chiefs will need to decide how to balance their quarterback depth, taking into account the uncertainty surrounding Mahomes’ recovery.

The addition of a veteran quarterback could be a critical decision for the team’s success in 2026, especially if Mahomes needs time to recover. In any case, Haener’s arrival offers the Chiefs an extra arm in their quarterback room as they look to build a contingency plan while waiting for the health of their star quarterback to improve.

For Haener, this signing represents an important opportunity to prove himself in the NFL. While he may not immediately be in the conversation for a starting role, his time with the Chiefs will be an opportunity to develop his skills and prove that he belongs on an NFL roster. Whether he sticks around as a backup or ultimately earns a larger role in the future will depend on how he performs in the coming months.

With the Chiefs facing uncertainty at the quarterback position, the addition of Jake Haener is a prudent move to bolster their depth. As Mahomes continues his recovery, the Chiefs will look to solidify their backup quarterback position—making it a storyline to watch closely throughout the offseason.