Former Saints QB Jake Haener signs with Chiefs

By Ross Jackson

A former New Orleans Saints quarterback has found a new home in the AFC West. 

2023 fourth-round selection and quarterback Jake Haener has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in a reserve/future deal after his contract with the Saints expired after the season concluded. 

The #Chiefs are signing QB Jake Haener, source says. The former fourth-round pick of the #Saints was on the practice squad to end the season. His contract expired and he chose to head to Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/t8kT9IjJ3W

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 2, 2026

Haener posted to social media upon arrival at the Chiefs’ facility on Monday. He also shared a thank you message directed to New Orleans. 

The former Fresno State quarterback was considered a part of the quarterback battle before the 2025 season, though many suspected the competition was truly more of a duel between Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough.  

Haener never counted himself out, however, and always had a clear vision of what it would take to win the role as the underdog in the room. Ultimately, the job would go to Rattler with Shough eventually taking over. But Haener’s confidence never wavered. 

Before departing New Orleans, he did get a chance to serve as the backup quarterback behind Shough in the final game of the season while Rattler navigated a right finger injury. 

New Orleans is now in position to have just two quarterbacks, Shough and Rattler, on the roster going into 2026. Fellow passer Taysom Hill’s deal is set to expire the day before the new league year and undrafted addition in 2025, Hunter Dekkers, landed a spot with the UFL. 

Dekkers could return after his spring season with the Houston Gamblers, but adding another veteran quarterback to the room might be an advantageous pursuit for New Orleans.