The 2023 fourth-round pick announced via social media that he will be joining the Kansas City Chiefs.
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after his contract expired with the team, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
With the Saints selecting signal callers in the past three consecutive draft classes, most recently Spencer Rattler in 2024 and Tyler Shough in 2025, opportunities grew thin for Haener in the black and gold after he spent the 2025 season on the practice squad.
On Monday afternoon, Haener posted a photo of the Chiefs’ practice facility on his Instagram story with the caption “new beginnings,” signaling that his time in New Orleans has officially come to an end. The 26-year-old wasted no time changing his bio to “Chiefs QB,” making it clear he’s ready to embrace the next chapter of his career.
Haener finished his time in New Orleans, completing 18 of 39 pass attempts for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while adding 22 rushing yards on 11 carries in eight games and one start.
As a holdover from the previous coaching staff, it never seemed like the new regime had plans for him in the team’s future. By heading to Kansas City, Haener has a chance to carve out a potential backup role, as the team could be looking for experienced quarterbacks with Patrick Mahomes likely to miss the start of the season recovering from his torn ACL. He will also benefit from learning under one of the league’s most accomplished quarterbacks while continuing to develop at the highest level.
In 2023, Haener was named the MVP of the Panini Senior Bowl after leading the National Team to a 27–10 victory. He finished the day completing 12 of 19 passes for 139 yards and a 44-yard touchdown to Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson, while also earning National Team Practice Player of the Week honors.
After starting his collegiate career at Washington in 2018, the two-time All-Mountain West selection transferred to Fresno State and became a three-year starter. During his tenure with the Bulldogs, he completed 733 of 1,077 pass attempts (67.77%) for 9,017 yards and 67 touchdowns with 17 interceptions. A two-time team captain, Haener led Fresno State to the 2022 Mountain West Conference title with a 28–16 win over Boise State.
This should be a refreshing change of scenery for Haener, offering a clean slate to compete for a role, pick the mind of the legendary Andy Reid and continue living out his NFL dreams.