For better or worse, Derek Carr is the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. And Jameis Winston is his immediate backup. But the team has operated its roster—at least ever since Carr injured his shoulder—with three quarterbacks on its depth chart.
On Monday, Jake Haener rejoined the team, after previously being suspended for violating the National Football League’s performance-enhancing drug policy. With the rookie out of Fresno State returning from suspension, the Saints had to make a roster move. In turn, they waived veteran quarterback Jake Luton, who they had recently signed off of the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.
With rookie QB Jake Haener returning from suspension, the #Saints waived Jake Luton.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 16, 2023
Luton, who played college football at Idaho, Ventura County Community College and Oregon State, originally joined the Panthers this past offseason after a few seasons as a journeyman with the Jaguars, Seahawks, Dolphins and Saints. Jacksonville drafted him in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s appeared in three NFL games, starting three (0-3), and has earned a 54.5 completion percentage, 473 passing yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions.
Luton appeared in two games during the preseason this year, going 8-of-19 for 115 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Luton may clear waivers and if that happens he can return to the team as a member of their practice squad. The Saints currently don’t have a quarterback on their practice squad, so it would make sense to keep Luton around, considering that Carr has an injury to his chest and his throwing shoulder. Though, it remains to be seen what the future ultimately holds for the veteran.
