Former Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Sea Dragons quarterback Ben DiNucci announced his return to the NFL with his trademark sense of humor.
Posting the news on X (formerly Twitter) DiNucci informed his followers on December 10th, “I have fun news. I signed with the Saints this morning. Source -myself. (fairly credible.)”
New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi sought out the veteran XFL player following quarterback Derek Carr’s hand injury in week 14. Rumor has it the injury is serious enough to end Carr’s season.
A popular spring football star, DiNucci became a standout with the Sea Dragons. Starting all ten games, DiNucci finished the season with a record of 7-3 leading the Sea Dragons to a playoff berth. Posting a league-best 272 /374 completions for 2,671 yards, DFiNucci had 20 touchdowns with 13 interceptions plus three rushing touchdowns.
Before finding success with the Sea Dragons, DiNucci was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2020 draft. He appeared in three games that season in relief of the injured Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton. Making his debut on October 25, 2020, DiNucci’s first NFL pass was a stunning 32-yard completion to wide receiver Amari Cooper. But after that promising start, DiNucci was sacked three times and the Cowboys lost the game 25-3.
When DiNucci was released from the Cowboys in August of 2022, he was drafted by the XFL Sea Dragons the following November. His strong record with Seattle brought him to the attention of the Broncos. DiNucci signed with Denver in May of 2023 as a backup to Russell Wilson and Jarrett Stidham. The Broncos signed DiNucci to a future/reserves contract the following January but he subsequently became a casualty of the Bo Nix draft and the offseason acquisition of Zach Wilson.
Upon his release from the Broncos last May, DiNucci sent the rumor mill into overdrive with fans salivating at the thought of him joining the UFL just in time for the playoffs. But DiNucci quickly dismissed those rumors. He explained that although he’d been contacted by UFL teams and appreciated the fans’ support, he would not be joining the UFL this year.
Instead, DiNucci pursued other NFL opportunities and recently spent time on the Buffalo Bills practice squad. Signed by the Bills on August 12th, DiNucci appeared in two of the Bills’ preseason games. However, he was released by the Bills on August 27th ahead of the 53-man roster deadline.
The 6’3″ 215 lb. DiNucci brings talent, leadership, and veteran experience to the Saints. Although he is currently on the Saints practice squad, DiNucci is expected to compete for the starting assignment against rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler and second-year player Jake Haener.
With four games remaining in the regular season, the 5-8 Saints are two games behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Technically, the Saints are still “in the hunt” for a Wild Card playoff berth. A win on Sunday against the Washington Commanders is critical to keep the Saints playoff hopes alive.
DiNucci offers the playoff experience Rattler and Haener lack. He has proven that he can perform well under pressure. If Carr can’t play on Sunday, will Rizzi turn to the battle-tested Sea Dragons veteran? This game could be the opportunity DiNucci has been waiting for in his NFL return.
However, if things don’t work out with the Saints, DiNucci does have another option. When the St. Louis Battlehawks parted ways with veteran quarterback A.J. McCarron, DiNucci was mentioned as a leading candidate to take over the Battlehawk’s starting assignment. One of the better teams in the UFL, St. Louis offers a well-designed offense and a great supporting cast of talented players. This could be an excellent landing spot for DiNucci if he chooses to return to spring football.
