Ben DiNucci Joins the Saints: A New Chapter in His NFL Journey

In a strategic move to strengthen their quarterback lineup amidst injuries, the New Orleans Saints have signed former Cowboys and Broncos quarterback Ben DiNucci. This signing comes in response to starting quarterback Derek Carr's recent injuries, where he suffered a fracture in his non-throwing hand during a game against the New York Giants. As a result of this injury, Carr is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, leading the Saints to seek additional support at the quarterback position.

The Status of Derek Carr

Carr's injury is significant but does not require surgery, and the Saints have opted not to place him on injured reserve, which would have ensured a four-game absence. Reports indicate that New Orleans is hoping for a potential return from Carr before the end of the season, keeping the door open for his comeback. In the interim, Jake Haener, who took over the quarterback duties immediately following Carr's injury, and rookie Spencer Rattler, will likely compete for the starting position.

Who Is Ben DiNucci?

DiNucci, who announced his signing on social media, adds valuable experience to the Saints’ roster. Originally signed as a seventh-round draft choice by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, DiNucci briefly showcased his skills in the NFL during his time in Dallas, where he completed 53.5% of his passes for 219 yards across three games, including one start in his rookie season.

After being waived by the Cowboys in 2022, he found success in the XFL with the Seattle Sea Dragons, where he started 10 games, led the league in passing, and helped the team achieve a 7-3 record. His journey continued as he had a stint with the Denver Broncos before ultimately landing with the Saints.

Depth in the Quarterback Position

The signing of DiNucci is strategic for several reasons. With Carr's condition uncertain and two other quarterbacks set to battle for the starting role, having a third option like DiNucci could provide the Saints with necessary depth moving forward. If either Haener or Rattler struggles or becomes injured, DiNucci can step in and offer a new, dynamic play style that could help keep the Saints competitive in a tight race for the playoffs.

DiNucci’s unique background, including his experience in both the NFL and XFL, positions him as a strong candidate to capitalize on this opportunity. His last regular-season action in the NFL occurred in 2020, making this an important moment for him to potentially resurrect his career and earn a more permanent spot within the league.

Conclusion

As the Saints navigate these uncertain times with Carr's injury, Ben DiNucci’s signing may prove crucial. His journey from undrafted quarterback to added depth on an NFL team illustrates the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where opportunities can arise unexpectedly. Fans will be watching closely to see how DiNucci's addition will impact the team's performance in the upcoming weeks.

Keep an eye on the Saints' quarterback situation as more developments unfold regarding Carr’s recovery and DiNucci’s performance with the team.