Saints’ Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler to battle for backup QB job behind Derek Carr

Reports out of New Orleans suggest that, as expected, Haener was more consistent through spring workouts, avoiding turnovers. Rattler, meanwhile, went through ups and downs. The rookie threw some practice picks, but that doesn’t bother Allen, who wants his quarterbacks to test things out during drills.

“Part of it, out here during this time, and even during training camp, is figuring out what you can do and what you can’t do,” Allen said during organized team activities, “And if I never really take a chance, then I never really know what you can or can’t do in our league. And I think you find out here that the windows close a little faster than they do in college.”

Rattler will be a key player to watch during camp and particularly when the preseason ramps up. He has the talent to one day be a potential NFL starter, but getting through progressions at NFL speed is a different beast. How Rattler develops at each stage of the preseason will tell the story of how his early career will unfold.

Carr didn’t miss a start last season but was injured several times, getting knocked out of action in a couple of contests. That dynamic gives the backup QB job in New Orleans more prominence. Veteran journeyman Nathan Peterman was also signed this offseason, but the Saints want their two young QBs to battle it out for the right to be the next man up.