The New Orleans Saints made a big splash this offseason by addressing their need for a quarterback. The team won the Derek Carr sweepstakes, signing the veteran after the Las Vegas Raiders released him in the days following the Super Bowl.
With Carr locked in as the starter, New Orleans is heading toward the 2023 season as the favorites in the NFC South. They have the best quarterback situation in the division with the Carolina Panthers likely turning to No. 1 pick Bryce Young sooner than later, the Atlanta Falcons deploying Desmond Ridders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers set to have a battle between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.
At 32 years old, Carr should have plenty of gas left in the tank to play at a high level. But, the Saints want to have contingency plans in place, so they used one of their picks in the 2023 NFL Draft on Fresno State quarterback, Jake Haener.
Haener is the first Fresno State quarterback selected since Carr, who he will now be sitting behind and learning from. One of the people who are excited about what Haener can do on the field is Jeff Ireland.
Ireland is the Saints’ assistant general manager and college scouting director. In a recent discussion with Jeff Duncan of NoLa.com, Ireland revealed a bold comparison for the team’s newest quarterback addition; Saints legend, Drew Brees.
“You wouldn’t think he was 6-foot tall when you watch him,” Ireland said of Haener. “He’s got great processing ability. He’s got great vision. He’s got a quick stroke. He’s extremely smart. He’s a sixth-year senior, so he’s really mature for being a college senior. He’s competed in two different programs, he’s competed at Washington, competed at Fresno State. And I was just really impressed with the person, how he plays. He’s had several fourth-quarter comebacks. He does kind of remind you or there’s some similarities to No. 9.”
Ireland did make sure to say there is only one Drew Brees, but he is fond of some of the traits that Haener brings to the table. New Orleans can certainly afford to hold onto a developmental pick as the depth chart is set with Carr as the starter and Jameis Winston backing up him.
That isn’t a luxury every team is afforded but the Saints are going to take advantage of it for as long as they can. Even if Haener develops into a backup quarterback he will provide value after being selected in the fourth round. If he even approaches Brees’ level of production, the Saints will have one of the all-time steals on their hands.
