Look, the New Orleans Saints just signed Zach Wilson to a one-year deal, and if you’re surprised, you haven’t been paying attention to how desperate teams get for quarterback depth. ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news, confirming a move that feels like a classic Saints low-risk, potentially high-reward play. Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is getting another shot, and it’s probably his last real one to prove he belongs in this league.
Remember his time with the Jets? It was a mess. In 34 games over three seasons, Wilson threw for just 6,293 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions. His completion percentage never cracked 60% in a full season as a starter, topping out at 57% in 2022. That’s not just bad; that’s historically inefficient for a guy drafted so high. He went 12-21 as a starter, often looking overwhelmed by even basic NFL defenses. The Jets traded him to the Broncos earlier this offseason, and Denver quickly cut him. That should tell you everything you need to know about his value around the league right now.
The Saints are a fascinating landing spot. Derek Carr is entrenched as the starter, coming off a season where he threw for 3,878 yards and 25 touchdowns. Jake Haener, a fourth-round pick from 2023, is still on the roster. Wilson isn't walking into a starting job. He’s walking into a competition for the primary backup role, which is a significant step down for a guy who was supposed to be the Jets' franchise savior.
Here's the thing: Wilson showed flashes, albeit rare ones. Against the Chiefs in Week 4 last season, he completed 19 of 35 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns, nearly pulling off an upset in a 23-20 loss. He also had a decent outing against the Texans in Week 14, throwing for 301 yards and two scores in a 30-6 win. But those games were the exception, not the rule. Consistency was his biggest enemy, and his decision-making often looked panicked under pressure. He took 46 sacks in 2022 alone. That’s an alarming number for any quarterback.
The Saints have been searching for stability at quarterback since Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season. They've cycled through Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, and now Carr. The offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, is new to the team, bringing a fresh perspective and a new system. Maybe that's what Wilson needs – a completely clean slate, away from the intense media scrutiny of New York.
My hot take? This signing is less about Wilson's potential to become a starter and more about the Saints hoping to find a cheap, serviceable backup who can learn Kubiak's system. They're banking on the idea that a change of environment, coupled with zero pressure to be "the guy," might unlock something. But let's be real, the chances are slim. Wilson’s mechanics have always been wonky, and his inability to read defenses effectively has plagued him since BYU. I don't see that magically changing in New Orleans. The Saints will keep Carr healthy and hope Haener develops, because Zach Wilson will be out of the league by the end of the 2025 season.