🚨 Jake Haener Signs with Kansas City Chiefs After Saints Departure 👇

Kansas City, MO – After a brief and relatively quiet tenure with the New Orleans Saints, Jake Haener has found a new home with the Kansas City Chiefs, marking the first time in his career that he’ll be playing for a team other than New Orleans. The news broke on Monday, with Mike Garafolo of NFL Network initially reporting the development, which was later confirmed by Haener himself 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 wrote in a post. “It’s time for a fresh start in Kansas City!! Excited for what’s next!”

While the contract details remain unclear, Haener’s move to Kansas City follows the departure of Gardner Minshew, the Chiefs’ former backup quarterback, who is currently testing free agency. With Minshew’s exit, Haener could have an elevated role with the Chiefs, potentially competing for a backup spot behind star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Breakup: Jake Haener’s Time with the Saints

For Haener, his departure from the Saints was far from unexpected. In fact, it was a long time coming given his limited role with the team. The 2023 draft pick spent the last three seasons with New Orleans, but during his tenure, he only managed to start in one game, despite being active for eight total appearances.

In 2023, Haener did see limited action in eight games, all of which came under head coach Dennis Allen. However, the Saints’ coaching staff never appeared to see Haener as a long-term option for the starting quarterback position, and he was always relegated to the third-string role. Even with the addition of Kellen Moore as the offensive coordinator in 2024, Haener’s place on the depth chart remained solidified as a third-stringer, despite getting some first-team reps during training camp.

As the regular season unfolded, it became clear that Haener’s chances of competing for a starting spot—or even securing a meaningful backup role—were slim.

Haener’s Limited Playing Time in New Orleans

Throughout his time in New Orleans, Haener’s on-field appearances were brief, and his statistics weren’t eye-popping. In his eight appearances, Haener attempted just 39 passes, completing 18 of them (a 46.2% completion rate) for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Those numbers didn’t help to bolster his case for a more prominent role, especially when compared to the other quarterbacks on the roster.

Many analysts and fans believed Haener’s struggles on the field stemmed from an inability to shake off the “yips” during games. He often looked more comfortable in practice settings, but when thrust into live-game situations, the pressure seemed to get the best of him. This inconsistency on the field may have been the Achilles heel that ultimately kept him from getting a fair shot at a starting role.

Despite his struggles, Haener’s potential still remains intriguing to some, especially in a system like Kansas City’s, which has been known to develop quarterbacks in unique ways. If Haener can overcome his in-game jitters, he could have a shot at finding success in a fresh environment.

A Fresh Start in Kansas City

The move to the Kansas City Chiefs is a new chapter for Haener, and it presents him with an opportunity to revitalize his career. The Chiefs have one of the most stable and successful quarterback situations in the NFL, with Patrick Mahomes as the unquestioned starter, but they’ve also shown a willingness to develop talent at the backup position, making this a promising landing spot for Haener.

The Chiefs’ coaching staff, led by Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, has helped to elevate quarterbacks from a variety of backgrounds, and Haener’s skill set could fit well into their high-tempo, dynamic offense. With Mahomes still at the top of his game, Haener’s role would likely be limited to backup duties for the time being, but with more time to develop and learn from the best in the business, he could eventually carve out a more prominent spot on the team.

Looking Ahead: Haener’s Potential in Kansas City

For now, Haener’s contract situation with the Chiefs remains in the air, as the details of the agreement have yet to be made public. The team will likely evaluate him during training camp to see if he can become a reliable backup behind Mahomes. With Gardner Minshew now a free agent, Haener’s arrival could present him with an opportunity to secure a second-string role, or even more, depending on how well he adapts to Kansas City’s system.

Given the Chiefs’ track record of success and their ability to develop quarterbacks, Haener has a real chance to revive his career and potentially turn into a viable option for future seasons. A successful stint in Kansas City could set him up for a more prominent role down the line, either with the Chiefs or another team.

The Saints’ Future at QB

As for the New Orleans Saints, Haener’s departure leaves them with questions about their quarterback depth. With the Saints clearly having moved on from the former Hampton product, they’ll need to evaluate their current options under center as they look to build a roster capable of competing in the NFC South.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Haener

Jake Haener’s departure from New Orleans wasn’t surprising given his lack of consistent opportunities, but his new home in Kansas City represents an exciting fresh start. Whether he stays as a backup or eventually makes a name for himself in the league, the next few years could be pivotal in determining Haener’s long-term career trajectory. With a stable and successful franchise like the Chiefs taking him in, he has the chance to develop and show his true potential in a way he wasn’t able to with the Saints.