Zach Wilson arrives in New Orleans the same age as starting quarterback Tyler Shough, but with what seems like a lifetime more experience -- not all of it the good variety.
Wilson was the former No. 2 overall pick of the Jets in 2021, but he only last three seasons and 33 starts in New York before being traded to Denver. He didn't appear in a game with the Broncos, but did play in four for the Dolphins in relief last season. This year he's signed with the Saints, presumably as the third QB but with some potential to contend with Spencer Rattler for the backup job.
"I was just looking for something different, maybe a little different offense than I’ve been a part of ... something that maybe fit me better," Wilson said on WWL Radio when asked why he chose the Saints.
"It’s always been important to me to find a coach that’s played the position," Wilson continued, "that understands what it’s like to play quarterback in the NFL, you know, play with a younger room that has opportunity and, you know, that made it easy with Kellen. ... I think it’s going to be a great opportunity.”
Hear the full interview with Saints QB Zach Wilson in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.
That idea is something we've heard before. Both Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler repeatedly praised the setup with so many former NFL QBs across the offensive coaching staff. That includes Kellen Moore, of course, but also OC Doug Nussmeier, QBs coach Scott Tolzien and senior offensive assistant Scott Linehan. Whether directly the cause or not, both Shough and Rattler took significant steps forward throughout the 2025 season and looked comfortable in the offense.
Wilson came into the league with Robert Saleh as his head coach, a noted defensive mind. He started 33 games with a record of 12-21. In his career he's completed 571 of 1004 passes (57%) for 6,325 yards and 23 touchdowns against 25 interceptions.
"I do think there’s something about it, watching how the game unfolds, you never quite understand until you are in it [as a QB]," Wilson said.
However the situation works out, Wilson is the latest in a series of highly drafted quarterbacks that were written off by the team that drafted him. Time will tell if he becomes a second- or third-chance success story like Baker Mayfield.
“It is hard to play well in this league and to just be in the league is such a blessing and so for me," Wilson said. "It’s just enjoying being out there on the field and making good friends and doing my absolute best to be the best quarterback I can be. ... [My career has] taught me a lot of things about myself and it’s helped me become a better person and just understanding how the NFL game works.”
We've seen several instances of those types of comeback in recent years, including Geno Smith with the Seahawks (now back with the Jets) and Daniel Jones with the Colts. But the most fitting parallel for Wilson would be Sam Darnold, a former third-round pick of the Jets before being traded to the Panthers. He spent one season there and another on the 49ers before landing with the Vikings, where he took over the starting job and led the team to 14 wins and a playoff berth. Despite that he was not re-signed in free agency and went to the Seahawks, where in Year 1 he led Seattle to 14 wins, a top overall seed and a Super Bowl title.
“Obviously I love rooting for those guys," Wilson told WWL. "I think the league is tough in general and it’s always cool when you see those kind of comeback stories from guys, but for me personally it’s just focusing on being the best player that I can be. ... The opportunities I can’t control, so if those ever present themselves I’ve got to make the most of that.”
Hear the full interview below
