New Orleans Saints Shore Up Quarterback Roster with Ben DiNucci Signing
The New Orleans Saints have made a decisive move to strengthen their quarterback lineup by signing the well-traveled veteran Ben DiNucci. This strategic addition comes on the heels of a hard-fought victory over the New York Giants, during which the team experienced a significant setback with the injury of quarterback Derek Carr.
Derek Carr, who has been a pivotal figure for the Saints since joining the team, unfortunately, sustained multiple injuries in Sunday's game against the Giants. Medical evaluations revealed that Carr suffered a fracture in his non-throwing hand coupled with a concussion. These injuries are anticipated to keep him sidelined for several weeks, with the unfortunate possibility of missing the remainder of the season. While the Saints have yet to make a definitive decision on placing Carr on injured reserve, such a move would signal the end of his playing season.
Ben DiNucci's Journey
Ben DiNucci steps into this unfolding scenario with a varied professional background. Originally a seventh-round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, DiNucci brings a blend of NFL and alternative league experience to the Saints. His tenure with the Cowboys saw him in action during his rookie season, where he completed 21 out of 40 passes for 180 yards in a single start. Despite this opportunity, DiNucci was waived by the Cowboys in the summer of 2022.
Post his NFL stint, DiNucci found new life in the XFL with the Seattle Sea Dragons. His performance was nothing short of impressive; he started in 10 games and led the league in passing, boasting a commendable 7-3 record. These achievements underscored his capability to lead and perform under pressure, vital traits that the Saints will undoubtedly find useful as they navigate the remainder of the season.
In the 2023 season, DiNucci spent time with the Denver Broncos, contributing to their practice squad. He also had a brief sojourn with the Buffalo Bills during their 2023 summer training camp, further expanding his experience and understanding of different offensive schemes and team environments. This breadth of exposure across multiple teams and leagues has equipped DiNucci with a diverse skill set that he will bring to the Saints’ quarterback room.
Saints' Quarterback Strategy
With Carr’s uncertain timeline for return, the Saints are actively exploring their quarterback options. The potential formation of a quarterback quartet—should DiNucci join the active roster and Carr remain on it—provides coach Dennis Allen with significant depth and flexibility. Currently, the Saints also have Jake Haener, who has shown promise, and rookie Spencer Rattler, whose potential future contributions are highly anticipated.
This roster maneuvering reflects the organization's intent to maintain competitive performance levels through the challenging circumstances posed by Carr’s injuries. The decision not to immediately place Carr on injured reserve also suggests a cautious optimism regarding his return, allowing the Saints to keep alive the possibility of fielding their primary quarterback should his recovery permit.
DiNucci's Potential Impact
DiNucci's entry into the Saints' fold is notable for several reasons. His experiences have shaped him into a resilient competitor capable of adapting quickly—a trait that will be crucial as he integrates into a new team system mid-season. The Saints are undoubtedly counting on his ability to act as both a reliable backup and a potential starter, depending on how the season progresses.
For DiNucci, this opportunity with the Saints represents another chapter in a career defined by perseverance and versatility. His track record suggests that he is not simply filling a roster spot but potentially playing a key role in the Saints' pursuit of a successful campaign, even amidst adversity.
As the Saints prepare for their upcoming challenges, the inclusion of a seasoned player like DiNucci could prove pivotal. His presence not only reinforces their depth chart but also sends a message of resilience and strategic foresight by the coaching and management personnel. New Orleans fans will keenly watch how DiNucci integrates with the offense and contributes to the team’s success moving forward.