Ex-Cowboys QB Surprisingly Turned Down Promotion With Saints: Report
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci turned down an opportunity to sign with the New Orleans Saints, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson.
DiNucci is on the Denver Broncos practice squad, and a move to the Saints would have been to the active roster.
In theory, signing with New Orleans would have offered DiNucci a bit more job security. Instead, DiNucci remains in Denver where he is the third quarterback behind Russell Wilson and Jarrett Stidham.
“The New Orleans Saints in September sought to sign quarterback Ben DiNucci off the Broncos’ practice squad to their 53-man roster before he opted to remain in Denver,” Tomasson wrote in a December 14 article titled, “Quarterback Ben DiNucci turned down September offer to join Saints’ 53-man roster to stay on Broncos’ practice squad.”
“Sources said Thursday that is what happened before the Saints instead signed quarterback Jake Luton to their 53-man roster on Sept. 26. In an interview with The Denver Gazette on Wednesday, DiNucci said another team sought to sign him but he wouldn’t name the team.”
DiNucci revealed why he opted to remain with the Broncos instead of making a move to New Orleans. The veteran did not name the Saints but emphasized his desire to learn under Sean Payton.
“There was a point in the season where another team had tried to claim me,’’ DiNucci told The Denver Gazette. “I didn’t necessarily want to go. I didn’t necessarily want to be jumping around during the middle of the season.
For quarterbacks, it’s tough. This is my first year (with the Broncos). I want to be in the system and learn. I had a lot invested in this place. …They told me they’d make it up to me by the end of the year.’’
Broncos QB Ben DiNucci Spent 2 Seasons With the Cowboys
Ultimately, DiNucci viewed the situation in New Orleans as temporary, even if it came with a spot on the active roster. DiNucci last played an NFL snap for the Cowboys making three appearances in 2020, including one start.
