New Orleans Saints backup QB Jake Haener embracing the competition with rookie Spencer Rattler
The New Orleans Saints have an intriguing backup quarterback competition brewing. Spencer Rattler is the rookie who many fans are gushing over so far. Meanwhile, Jake Haener is a young option with experience in the system. He's not ready to give up his shot at being the QB of the future in New Orleans. Jake […]
The New Orleans Saints have an intriguing backup quarterback competition brewing. Spencer Rattler is the rookie who many fans are gushing over so far. Meanwhile, Jake Haener is a young option with experience in the system. He's not ready to give up his shot at being the QB of the future in New Orleans.
Jake Haener is ready for the competition with Spencer Rattler
"Spencer is great, but at the end of the day I don't care who they draft," Haener said. "They're gonna draft people to try to come replace me every year, it's kind of really been the same story for me. I've always been the underdog, always had that mentality and I've just got to prove people wrong. If that's you guys – great."
— Jake Haener
Of course, Haener was not going to just roll over because a new guy joined him in the QB room. He's always been a competitive spirit, and he's got even more to prove after a frustrating 2023.
Haener was suspended for six games of the regular season after gaining some traction in the preseason in a competition with Jameis Winston.
With that behind him, he must settle back in to fend off the rookie Rattler. So far in OTAs, Haener has been the most precise and impressive QB in practices. Reports from camp have been positive, and Derek Carr has always been a fan of Haener's game.
The fun between the backup options will accelerate during the preseason, too. Both QBs will get plenty of reps against live action opponents. Don't expect Carr to get too many reps especially later in the preseason.
All in all, it's nice to see the honesty from Haener.
He's enjoying the competition but remains determined to beat out Rattler. You wouldn't want any other mindset from the young QB. You'd rather him show that fire than use the "coach speak" positivity when asked about the battle.
Saints coach reveals why Spencer Rattler was the perfect QB for New Orleans in the NFL Draft
They wanted him from the start.
