The Kansas City Chiefs may need a reliable backup quarterback as Patrick Mahomes recovers from his knee injury. Although Mahomes aims to be ready by Week 1, the possibility of a delayed return means the team must prepare for a substitute quarterback capable of managing early games.

They may have just found one, or at least a decent backup.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports the Chiefs are signing former fourth-round pick and ex-New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener. Haener, whose contract expired, chose KC because he believes he can compete for a starting spot while Mahomes is injured.

The Chiefs don’t need a top quarterback while Mahomes is out. They need someone who can manage games and be serviceable during Mahomes’ absence. Sure, he may miss Week 1, but they don’t expect the former Super Bowl MVP to miss much time. Then again, anything can happen, such as setbacks.

Whether Haener can fill this crucial backup role remains uncertain. While the Saints moved on, the Chiefs evidently see potential. To better understand what Haener offers, I consulted A to Z Sports’ Adam Holt, who covers the Saints.

What are the Chiefs getting in Jake Haener?
Haener’s time in New Orleans was a bit of an oddball when you consider how much attention he got while never being the starting quarterback for the team. He went viral on social media for his comical pictures during a team photo shoot, and fans began recognizing him for his one-glove look on the field. Whether it was preseason or regular season action, he was normally rocking just one mitt while playing the most important position on the gridiron.

Haener is 26 years old. His only regular-season action came in 2024, where he threw for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in 18/39 attempts. He has a little bit of mobility in the pocket, but he’s not gonna outrun defenders on the back end. Haener was perceived as a “floor” QB selection during his NFL Draft process. He has a limited arm but found success on play action in college and had a good head on his shoulders when it came to leading a group. There was never a strong inclination that Haener would turn into a long-term starter, but rather be a potential backup that would stick in the league for some time. That seems to be the most likely outcome in reality as well.