Wilson Joins Saints as Veteran Backup in Latest NFL Journey After Miami Stint

Zach Wilson's NFL odyssey continues with another chapter as the former BYU quarterback has signed with the New Orleans Saints, according to insider reports, marking his fourth franchise in a career that began with such promise just five years ago.

The move represents Wilson's third team change in as many seasons, having spent 2025 with the Miami Dolphins and 2024 in Denver with the Broncos after his tumultuous early years with the New York Jets, who selected him second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Wilson joins a New Orleans quarterback room headlined by second-year starter Tyler Shough, who impressed during his rookie campaign, along with backup Spencer Rattler. The addition provides the Saints with veteran experience and a player still young enough to potentially develop into a meaningful contributor.

The Utah native's professional journey has been marked by inconsistency and unfulfilled potential since entering the league with considerable fanfare. During his time with the Jets from 2021-2023, Wilson struggled to establish himself as a franchise cornerstone despite making 33 starts across his first three seasons.

His statistical production with New York reflected those challenges, as Wilson completed passes for 6,293 yards while throwing 23 touchdowns against 25 interceptions. His 12-21 record as a starter further illustrated the difficulties he faced in translating his college success to professional football.

The mobility that served Wilson well at BYU has remained a consistent strength throughout his professional career, as evidenced by his 499 rushing yards and five touchdowns. This dual-threat capability continues to make him an intriguing developmental prospect despite his passing struggles.

Wilson's limited action with Miami in 2025 provided little opportunity for meaningful evaluation, as he appeared in just six games while completing 6 of 11 passes for 32 yards. The sparse statistics reflected his role as a clear backup rather than a legitimate competitor for starting duties.

The signing with New Orleans offers Wilson another opportunity to prove his NFL viability while providing the Saints with insurance at the quarterback position. His experience, despite mixed results, represents valuable depth for a team with playoff aspirations.

Saints management likely views Wilson as a low-risk addition who could benefit from a change of scenery and coaching philosophy. His arm talent and athleticism remain evident, even if consistency has proven elusive throughout his professional tenure.

For Wilson, the move to New Orleans provides a fresh start in a system that could maximize his mobility while continuing to develop his pocket presence. The opportunity to learn from offensive coordinator systems different from his previous stops could prove beneficial for his continued development.

The Saints' decision to pursue Wilson suggests confidence in their ability to extract value from talented players who have struggled elsewhere. Their coaching staff will likely focus on simplifying his reads while emphasizing his natural athletic abilities.

Wilson's college career at BYU from 2018-2020 demonstrated his considerable potential, as he passed for 7,652 yards with 71 total touchdowns while leading the Cougars to an 11-1 record and No. 11 final ranking during his standout junior season in 2020.

That success at Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah, followed by his collegiate excellence, originally positioned Wilson as one of the most promising quarterback prospects in recent memory. NFL scouts were particularly impressed by his arm strength and mobility combination.

However, the transition to professional football has proven challenging, with Wilson struggling to adapt to increased speed and complexity while facing intense pressure in major markets. The Saints represent his best opportunity yet to develop in a more supportive environment.

New Orleans' quarterback situation provides Wilson with the chance to compete for meaningful playing time while learning from experienced coaching staff. His success in the Saints system could determine whether he remains a viable NFL option or transitions toward other opportunities.

The signing demonstrates the Saints' commitment to depth at the most critical position while giving Wilson another chance to prove he belongs at the professional level after years of inconsistent performance.