The Big Easy Gamble: Saints Take a Shot on Zach Wilson

By Elena Kowalski · Published 2026-03-25 · Sources: Free agent Zach Wilson agrees to deal with Saints

Well, here we go again. Another former first-round quarterback gets a lifeline in New Orleans. Adam Schefter reported this morning that Zach Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick, has inked a one-year deal with the Saints. It’s a low-risk move for New Orleans, sure, but it also feels a bit like throwing darts in the dark.

Wilson’s NFL career has been, to put it mildly, a train wreck since the Jets drafted him out of BYU in 2021. He started 33 games for New York, completing just 57% of his passes. His touchdown-to-interception ratio stands at a dismal 23 touchdowns against 25 picks. Remember that 2022 season? He threw for just six touchdowns in nine starts, getting benched twice. The Jets went 8-9 that year, but Wilson's contribution was minimal. Last year wasn't much better, with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 12 games. The Jets finished 7-10. He’s been sacked 99 times in those 33 starts, a testament to both shaky offensive lines and a quarterback who holds onto the ball too long.

A Change of Scenery, or Just More Scenery?

The Saints are clearly hoping a change of scenery, away from the intense New York media market, will unlock something in Wilson. Derek Carr is entrenched as the starter, coming off a season where he threw for 3,878 yards and 25 touchdowns. But Carr also had 16 turnovers and the Saints finished 9-8, missing the playoffs. Jameis Winston, the previous backup, is now in Cleveland. So, the backup job is open. Jake Haener, a fourth-round pick in 2023, is still on the roster, but he only saw action in one game last season, completing 1 of 2 passes for 5 yards against the Falcons in Week 18. Wilson’s presence immediately makes him the favorite for the QB2 spot.

Look, I get the logic. Wilson is still only 24 years old. He has the arm talent. He showed flashes in college, like his junior year at BYU when he threw for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. The NFL is littered with stories of quarterbacks who flamed out with their first team only to find success elsewhere. Geno Smith is the prime example, resurrecting his career in Seattle after years as a backup. But Smith had years of seasoning before his resurgence. Wilson is still very much a raw project.

The Saints' Quarterback Carousel

This move fits a pattern for the Saints under Dennis Allen. They’ve been trying to find a long-term answer at quarterback since Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season. They brought in Winston, then Taysom Hill got some starts, then Andy Dalton, and now Carr. It’s been a revolving door. Signing Wilson feels like another lottery ticket, albeit a cheap one. They gave up a swap of sixth-round picks in 2024 and a seventh-rounder in 2024 for him, which is essentially nothing. The Jets are even paying a chunk of his salary.

Here’s the thing: Wilson’s issues in New York weren't just about the offensive line or the coaching. He struggled with accuracy, decision-making, and often looked rattled under pressure. Those aren't things that magically disappear with a new jersey. He’s going from one high-pressure situation to another, albeit with less immediate expectation to start. My hot take? Wilson won’t take a single meaningful snap for the Saints in 2024 unless Carr gets injured for an extended period. And even then, I predict Haener will be the one getting the first look if Carr misses time.