Saints sign veteran quarterback, DiNucci

With the status of their starting quarterback in the air, the New Orleans Saints look to be adding a new face to the position group.

Per veteran quarterback Ben DiNucci himself, he will be signing with the Saints. 

It’s not very often that news gets broken by players themselves, but DiNucci did not miss the opportunity. 

I have fun news.

I signed with the Saints this morning.

Source – myself (fairly credible).

— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) December 10, 2024

Starting passer Derek Carr suffered a non-throwing hand injury that was initially reported as potentially season-ending with only four games left to play.  Interim head coach Darren Rizzi contested those reports, however, calling Carr “week-to-week” instead. He was not prepared to rule Carr out for this weekend’s game against the Washington Commanders. 

In either case, Carr’s status for that game is still very uncertain. Therefore, adding another veteran signal caller to the quarterback room is of value. 

DiNucci is not likely to be a candidate to start for the team. That responsibility will be set upon either second-year quarterback Jake Haener or rookie passer Spencer Rattler. 

However, DiNucci would give the team a third option at quarterback. Whether or not he’s signing to the active roster or practice squad remains to be seen. But those details will become available soon. 

The 28-year-old Atlanta native appeared in three games during the 2020 NFL season, with one start. During that limited action he completed 53.5% of his passes for 219 passing yards, no touchdown passes and no interceptions. He has spent the last two season as part of the practice squads for the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills.

DiNucci also spent 2023 with the XFL leading the Seattle Sea Dragons to a 7-3 record and a postseason appearance. With the Sea Dragons, he completed 64.7% of his passing attempts for 2,671 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 13 interceptions. In the team’s playoff loss he played a fantastic game tossing three touchdown passes and no interceptions while passing for nearly 300 yards.