The New Orleans Saints have a new name in the quarterback mix for the 2026 season.
The Saints on Tuesday agreed to a deal with veteran QB and former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, news first reported by NewOrleans.football. The team has not yet announced the move.
Wilson was the top pick of the Jets in 2020 but saw his star fade quickly under the New York media spotlight. He was traded to the Broncos in 2024 but did not appear in a game. The 26-year-old spent the 2025 season with the Dolphins appearing in four games, all in relief. Wilson brings experience to a young QB room with 33 starts in his career.
Wilson joins a room that includes presumptive starter Tyler Shough and backup Spencer Rattler. Last year the Saints opted not to bring in a veteran option, with Jake Haener and Hunter Dekkers providing QB depth on the roster. Haener signed with the Chiefs this offseason, while Dekkers is a free agent and was last playing in the UFL. The Saints also have a host of former QBs on the coaching staff, including head coach Kellen Moore, QBs coach Scott Tolzien, OC Doug Nussmeier and offensive assistant Scott Linehan.
The Saints haven't indicated any interest in trading Rattler, who started the first 8 games of the 2025 season, but his name could be a popular one if any QB-needy teams emerge throughout training camp or next season. However the room shapes up, though, all eyes will be on Shough in Year 2. The No. 40 overall pick in last year's draft took over the started job in Week 10 and never gave it back, leading the Saints to a 5-4 finish that included a four-game winning streak that energized the team and fanbase.
The team has been aggressive to add big names in free agency, including LG David Edwards, RB Travis Etienne and TE Noah Fant on offense. The Saints also reportedly re-signed depth safety Terrell Burgess on Tuesday.
