Saints host Chase Daniel on visit; QB also to meet with Jets

ByMike Triplett ESPN logo
Monday, March 20, 2017

METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints got a visit from an old friend Sunday, a source told ESPN's Adam Caplan: free-agent quarterback Chase Daniel.

Daniel will visit theNew York Jetson Monday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Jets hosted veteran quarterback Josh McCown on a visit over the weekend.

Daniel, 30, spent four years backing up Drew Brees in New Orleans early in his career before moving on to higher-paying backup jobs with the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Saints have a veteran backup they like,Luke McCown,who is due $1.5 million in the final year of his contract. But they always valued Daniel, and he is five years younger than McCown.

Even if the Saints sign Daniel as their backup, they could consider drafting a quarterback this year. Although Brees is still thriving, he is 38 years old and heading into the final year of his contract.

Daniel is back on the market after requesting his release from the Eagles earlier this month. Daniel reportedly wanted a chance to compete for a starting job elsewhere after getting stuck behind rookie Carson Wentz in Philadelphia last year. The Eagles signed Daniel to a three-year, $21 million contract to compete for a starting job before they drafted Wentz.

The Saints are the first team to have Daniel in for a visit, but Caplan said others have also expressed interest.

Daniel (6-foot, 225 pounds) began his career as an undrafted rookie with the Washington Redskins in 2009, but he switched to New Orleans' practice squad that September. He had just nine pass attempts in four years with the Saints, completing seven for 55 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

Daniel made two starts with Kansas City and is 51-of-78 passing in his career for 480 yards with one touchdown and one interception.