Heading into the offseason after a 7-10 season, the New Orleans Saints knew they needed to prioritize the quarterback position. Derek Carr was added via free agency, but they also drafted Jake Haener in the fourth round in the NFL Draft, giving the Saints both an immediate starter and a developmental QB.
Continuing to add to the QB room was no surprise for a Saints team that has struggled to find a long-term solution after Drew Brees retired in 2020. But now assistant general manager Jeff Ireland is suggesting the team’s newest QB also draws some comparisons to the former Hall of Fame Saints gunslinger too.
It’s an interesting viewpoint, as Haener, like Brees, measures in a bit on the small side at 6-foot-1, one inch taller than the now-retired QB. But the Saints’ AGM/college scouting director insists there are similarities between the rookie and the 2009 Super Bowl champion.
“You wouldn’t think he was 6-foot tall when you watch him. He’s got great processing ability. He’s got great vision. He’s got a quick stroke. He’s extremely smart. 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.”
New Orleans Saints AGM Jeff Ireland comparing Jake Haener to Drew Brees
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Ok, so similar height, high football IQ, and a quick release. These do sound like qualities Brees had too. But is it really fair to liken a player who’s never seen an NFL snap, and is expected to back up Carr for several seasons to an all-time franchise great? Ireland walked back some of his comments while leaving the door open for interpretation.
“You can’t really compare him, and I’m always careful to use the comparison because he doesn’t compare to Drew, he’s the only one. But there are some similarities that make you feel like, OK, maybe he can play similarly to that person. And you thought, OK, well you got another short quarterback in the league, you got Bryce Young. He just got picked first in the draft. What if Jake’s in that offense [at Alabama]? I just think, hypothetically, Jake would have success if he’s at Alabama.”
Jeff Ireland, continued
Some might say the Saints now have four players capable of lining up at QB, with Carr, Jameis Winston, gadget player Tayson Hill, and now Haener too. So there shouldn’t be any pressure for the first-year pro to perform any time soon, but if many of his same traits carry over from Fresno State to the NFL, perhaps the Saints will have gotten a gem in the middle rounds.
