Saints Add Zach Wilson on One-Year Deal to Back Up Tyler Shough

The New Orleans Saints add Zach Wilson to their quarterback room on a one-year contract following his stint with the Miami Dolphins.

The New Orleans Saints add Zach Wilson to their roster on a one-year contract, a move confirmed Tuesday by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Wilson, the former second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, joins a depth chart where he is slated to serve as the primary backup to Tyler Shough. Shough, a 2025 second-round selection, earned the starting role after a productive rookie campaign where he took over for 2024 fourth-round pick Spencer Rattler. This transaction follows a directive from head coach Kellen Moore, who stated during last month's NFL scouting combine that the organization intended to acquire one or two additional signal-callers for the upcoming offseason program.

Wilson arrives in New Orleans with a career stat line featuring 6,325 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions over five professional seasons. His career completion percentage stands at 57% across his various stops in the league. The 26-year-old spent the previous season with the Miami Dolphins on a one-year deal, where his opportunities on the field were limited to four appearances. During those outings, he completed 6-of-11 pass attempts for a total of 32 yards. Despite his veteran status, he remained the backup when rookie Quinn Ewers was elevated to the starting position following the benching of Tua Tagovailoa in Week 16.

New Orleans QB Depth Chart Transition

The arrival of Wilson marks a significant shift in the Saints' quarterback room compared to the previous season. Jake Haener, a 2023 fourth-round pick who served as the team's third-string quarterback last year, was allowed to enter free agency this spring. Haener has since moved on to join the Kansas City Chiefs. The current hierarchy now features Shough at the helm, with Wilson and Rattler providing depth. This restructuring aligns with the vision Moore outlined to bolster the roster before the start of formal offseason activities. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football was the first to report the agreement between Wilson and the Saints.

Wilson's Path Through Denver and New York

Prior to his tenure in Miami, Wilson spent the 2024 season with the Denver Broncos. During his time in Colorado, he served as the backup to Bo Nix and did not record a single pass attempt throughout the entire year. Despite the lack of playing time, the quarterback noted that he learned "a ton" from his experience within the Broncos' system. His professional journey began with the New York Jets, who selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in 2021. The move to the Saints represents his fourth NFL franchise as he enters his sixth year in the league.

Tactical Implications for Kellen Moore's Offense

By securing a veteran with 32 career appearances, the Saints have addressed the specific roster vacancy identified by Kellen Moore at the combine. The integration of Wilson provides a layer of experience behind Shough, who is entering his second year after replacing Rattler. The Saints' decision to let Haener walk in free agency opened the necessary space for this acquisition. With Wilson's one-year agreement finalized, the team now possesses three quarterbacks with varying levels of draft pedigree, ranging from Wilson’s top-two status to Rattler’s fourth-round selection.

Wilson’s statistical profile, including his 25 career interceptions, will be a point of focus as he integrates into the New Orleans system. The team’s offensive staff will look to build upon the limited 54.5% completion rate he posted during his brief four-game stint in Miami. As the offseason program commences, the competition for the spots behind Shough will involve Wilson and Rattler, ensuring the team meets its goal of having a full room of competitive arms. This report includes contributions from ESPN's Katherine Terrell and Marcel Louis-Jacques.