
Zach Wilson signs with Saints to back up Tyler Shough
Zach Wilson signs with Saints to back up Tyler Shough
- The New Orleans Saints signed quarterback Zach Wilson to a one-year deal.
- Zach Wilson, the former second overall pick, has had a rocky career with the Jets, Broncos, and Dolphins.
- Wilson's signing aims to provide competition and experience behind starting quarterback Tyler Shough.
Story
In March 2026, the New Orleans Saints made a significant move by signing quarterback Zach Wilson to a one-year contract. Wilson, who was drafted second overall by the New York Jets in 2021, has had a challenging career thus far, filled with ups and downs. After three seasons as a starter with the Jets, where he posted a disappointing 12-21 record, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos but served as a third-string quarterback without seeing game action. He then spent a season with the Miami Dolphins, appearing in four games without any starts. His most recent experience with the Dolphins involved backing up both Tua Tagovailoa and rookie Quinn Ewers, highlighting his ongoing struggle for a stable position in a starting role. The Saints drafted Tyler Shough in the second round the previous year and named him their starting quarterback after a surprising rookie season in which he achieved a 5-4 record in nine starts. While he displayed promise, the franchise aims to bolster his support through the addition of Wilson as a backup option. Wilson’s signing brings in some veteran presence and competition within the Saints’ quarterback room that also includes Spencer Rattler, a young prospect drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 draft. Shough is considered the clear starter for Week 1 unless he suffers an injury, but Wilson’s experience could provide invaluable support, serving as an extra layer of competition in a rebuilding team focused on improving its quarterback depth. For Wilson, this opportunity represents a chance to revitalize his career amid pressure to prove himself during training camp. Reports indicate that, while he has the potential to contribute, his spot on the final roster is not guaranteed and will depend on his performance against both Shough and Rattler. The Saints' coaching staff, including head coach Kellen Moore, has been known for developing quarterbacks successfully, which may offer Wilson the chance to refine his skills in a more favorable environment. If Wilson can leverage this opportunity and outperform expectations in training camp, he may not only secure his position on the team but also set the stage for a potential revival of his NFL career. Failure to demonstrate improvement, however, could lead to being cut from the roster, marking another setback in his professional journey.