Saints QB depth chart: Why Jake Haener and not Spencer Rattler is Derek Carr's backup

The Saints offense looks rejuvenated in 2024 behind Derek Carr, who is playing his 11th NFL season.

While Carr's numbers were solid in 2023, New Orleans only went 9-8 and missed the playoffs. Now, behind an offense that led the league with 31.8 points per game in Week 4, the Saints are looking to take home the NFC South title this season.

Carr is undoubtedly the QB1 in New Orleans as he leads the talented offense, but if something were to happen to him, the Saints would have a few options available on their roster.

Here's a look at the Saints' quarterback depth chart and Carr's numbers this season as the Saints prepare to face the Chiefs in Week 5 on “Monday Night Football.”

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Saints QB depth chart

#1: Derek Carr

Since joining the Saints before the 2023 season, Carr's has remained one of the league's most efficient quarterbacks.

In four games this season, he has completed 72.0 percent of his passes, which would be a career high. The long-time Raider has relied on Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed to bolster New Orleans' offense, and the unit's results so far have been outstanding.

The 33-year-old Carr doesn't have much rushing upside or game-changing arm strength, but he brings precision passing and a strong pocket presence to the Saints.

No. 2: Jake Haener

Haener, drafted in the fourth round by the Saints in 2023, did not play at all in 2023 after being suspended six games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. He was the third quarterback behind Carr and Jameis Winston.

However, with Winston no longer in the game, Haener has become the QB2 for New Orleans. A strong camp gave Haener the backup role and he appeared in two games this season. In Week 1, his only pass attempt was incomplete, and in Week 2, his three rushing attempts went for a negative three yards.

Should Carr suffer an injury, Haener, who was a three-year starter at Fresno State, would step in.

#3: Spencer Rattler

Rattler gets a lot of hype as a fifth-round rookie, but right now he's QB3 for the Saints.

During his college career between Oklahoma and South Carolina, Rattler totaled 10,807 passing yards and 77 passing touchdowns with 32 interceptions.

New Orleans is giving Rattler some time to develop before potentially taking on a larger role or moving up the depth chart over time.

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Derek Carr Career Statistics

As he continues to lead the Saints in their quest to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020, Carr is only building on a great career.

Here's a look at Carr's career numbers, which range from nine seasons with the Raiders to two with the Saints: