In a surprising move, the Kansas City Chiefs have waived backup quarterback Jake Haener as part of a series of roster cuts ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Haener, 27, was released following the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp, and the decision marks one of six roster moves made by head coach Andy Reid as he looks to finalize his squad for the upcoming campaign.
Haener had joined the Chiefs in February after spending two years with the New Orleans Saints. The California native’s departure leaves the Chiefs with fewer options at quarterback, putting more pressure on star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained last season.
A Strategic Move Ahead of the Season
The decision to waive Haener wasn’t one made lightly. In fact, it signals a crucial decision for the Chiefs’ roster as the team looks to shore up other positions in the offseason. Haener, who was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2023 as the 127th overall pick, had impressed during his college years at Fresno State, after transferring from Washington. His strong performance at Fresno had earned him a spot on the Saints’ roster, but he was unable to secure a long-term role with the team.
Joining the Chiefs in February, Haener seemed to be brought in as a backup for Mahomes, with the possibility of competing for the backup quarterback position. However, as the 2026 season approaches, it seems the Chiefs have decided to make room for new players, potentially looking to build more depth in other areas.
Haener’s release follows the waiving of two other players, Ethan Hurkett and Zacch Pickens, also as part of the team’s effort to trim their roster. While the move may have been expected, it still comes as a shock for some fans who were hopeful that Haener could prove himself as a capable backup.
Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions
While some Chiefs fans support the decision, understanding that roster moves are a part of the game, others have expressed concerns over the loss of depth at quarterback. The Chiefs have always been known for having a strong and stable quarterback position, and losing one of the backups before the season has even started could be risky.
One fan tweeted, “QB room got tight… Somebody had to go,” echoing the sentiment that these moves are inevitable in the NFL, where rosters change frequently, especially at the quarterback position.
However, not all reactions were positive. Some fans expressed disappointment at the decision to waive Haener, with one saying, “Work hard, learn the playbook, and wait for your moment. Just to be waived before the season even starts.” Others pointed out that cutting Haener could prove to be a risky move for the Chiefs’ depth at quarterback, especially considering Mahomes’ ongoing recovery from knee surgery.
A particularly vocal fan commented, “HUGE MISTAKE!” with another jokingly adding, “Mahomes next!” Clearly, Haener had gained a group of loyal supporters during his short time with the Chiefs, and some felt the team may have been premature in cutting him before he had a chance to prove his worth.
Changes to the QB Room and Its Impact on Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes, who is still recovering from the knee injury that sidelined him for parts of last season, has been at the center of the Chiefs’ offseason discussions. While he’s expected to be ready for the 2026 season opener, the Chiefs have had to be smart with how they manage his workload during training camp and throughout the season. With a thinner quarterback room now, Andy Reid will need to ensure that Mahomes has the support he needs in case of injury.
While Mahomes is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, the absence of a reliable backup could pose a problem if injury strikes again. Chiefs fans are understandably nervous about the prospect of Mahomes being forced to sit out, leaving the team with limited options to lead the offense.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Despite the shakeup in the quarterback room, the Chiefs remain optimistic about the upcoming season. Coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach have been working diligently to assemble a team capable of contending for the Super Bowl once again.
The team’s roster is still filled with talent, with Mahomes leading the way, and key offensive weapons like tight end Travis Kelce, wide receiver Cyrus Allen, and running back Kenneth Walker set to make an impact. On the defensive side, the Chiefs have bolstered their secondary with new draft picks, including LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. These moves suggest that the Chiefs are focused on strengthening both sides of the ball, ensuring that they remain competitive in what will surely be a difficult 2026 season.
What’s Next for Jake Haener?
As for Jake Haener, the release marks a tough blow to his NFL aspirations. After a solid college career at Fresno State, Haener was looking to make his mark in the NFL, but his journey with the Chiefs was short-lived. While he may not have found a permanent home in Kansas City, he will likely catch the eye of other teams looking for a backup quarterback. His experience in the league, coupled with his college pedigree, may give him another shot at a roster spot elsewhere.
Whether Haener lands with another team remains to be seen, but he will certainly have a chance to prove himself in the future. For now, the Chiefs must shift their focus to preparing for the 2026 season with fewer quarterbacks on the roster.
Conclusion: The Stakes Are High for Kansas City
With the 2026 season approaching, the Kansas City Chiefs are once again aiming for greatness, but the team will face plenty of challenges along the way. From Mahomes’ recovery to the tough decisions made in the roster cuts, the team will need to navigate these hurdles to make another run at the Super Bowl.
For now, the Chiefs have high hopes for their new signings, and while some roster moves have raised eyebrows, Andy Reid and his staff are making calculated decisions in hopes of positioning the team for success. Whether or not the Chiefs can return to their dynasty era will depend on how well they can adapt to the changes and bounce back from a tough 2025 season.
As always, all eyes will be on Kansas City as they attempt to reclaim their place at the top of the NFL.
