Chase Daniel is going back to the beginning.
The 30-year-old quarterback signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he began his NFL career. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Daniel's contract is for one year.
ESPN first reported the news.
An undrafted free agent cut by Washington before the 2009 season, Daniel spent his first four years backing up Drew Brees, but never starting a game. The quarterback then moved to Kansas City as insurance for Alex Smith. Daniel started twice in three years with the Chiefs (both times in a Week 17 matchup versus the Chargers, in 2013 and 2014).
Daniel then signed with Philadelphia in 2016 to join coach Doug Pederson, hoping for a shot at the starting gig. When the Eagles traded away Sam Bradford before the start of the season it looked like the career backup might get his chance. Philly, however, went with No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz.
The Eagles released Daniel this offseason when it was clear he wouldn't get a shot to compete for a starting gig. Philly still owed $5 million in guarantees to Daniel, which will be offset somewhat by whatever New Orleans pays him.
Daniel visited the New York Jets, where he might have had a chance to finally earn a starting role. Alas, Gang Green picked injury-prone Josh McCown over Daniel from the free-agent scrap heap.
With the starting gigs mostly spoken for, Daniel decided to return to New Orleans to caddie for Brees once again.
Signing the veteran doesn't preclude Sean Payton from snapping up a mid-to-late round developmental quarterback. It could nix the idea of bringing in Johnny Manziel, with whom Payton met with recently.
Daniel's signing might spell the end for veteran backup Luke McCown in New Orleans, which could be an odd twist of fate for the McCown family. Garrett Grayson is also on the Saints' roster.
