Who Should I Start? Jake Haener or Sam Hartman

Saturday, December 14, 5:19 AM

The New Orleans Saints will give quarterback Jake Haener the start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed the nomination in comments to the media on Friday. Haener took the reins from Derek Carr (hand, concussion) in Week 14 after Carr injured himself late in the Saints' win over the New York Giants. He only had one dropback in that game, which resulted in a sack for a loss of 10 yards. This will be Haener's first start of the season. During the season, Haener appeared in seven games in 2024, going 14-for-29 for 177 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The Saints wide receiver corps has been depleted by injuries, limiting the inexperienced Haener's utility to fantasy managers in two-QB leagues who are desperate for their second option.

Tuesday, January 28, 7:19 PM

The Washington Commanders announced on Tuesday that they signed quarterback Sam Hartman, running back Kazmeir Allen, defensive tackle Viliami Fehoko Jr., guard Julian Good-Jones, tight ends Tyree Jackson and Cole Turner, defensive end Andre Jones Jr., wide receiver Chris Moore and safety Ben Nikkel to Reserve/Futures deals. Hartman went undrafted in 2024 but eventually latched on with the Commanders for training camp. The 25-year-old signal-caller didn't make the 53-man active roster for the start of the regular season but did spend time on the active roster later in the season when backup Marcus Mariota landed on Injured Reserve. However, Hartman never saw action in a regular season game and is still looking to make his NFL debut. With Mariota set to become a free agent in March, the Commanders have opted to bring Hartman back as QB insurance this offseason.