Saints Add Former First-Round QB to Backup Competition

Zach Wilson joins Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler in New Orleans' QB room

Mar. 25, 2026 at 10:34am

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The New Orleans Saints have signed former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, the no. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, to add more competition behind starting QB Tyler Shough. Wilson will compete with Spencer Rattler to be Shough's backup after Rattler lost the starting job to Shough during the 2025 season.

Why it matters

The Saints are focused on developing Shough as their long-term starter, so adding an experienced QB like Wilson to compete with Rattler for the backup role will push both players to raise their game and provide more insurance behind Shough.

The details

Wilson, 26, spent last season with the Miami Dolphins after being released by the Jets. In five NFL seasons, he has thrown for 6,325 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions while completing 57% of his passes. Rattler began 2025 as the Saints' starter but lost the job to rookie Shough during the season. Now Rattler and Wilson will battle to be Shough's primary backup.

  • Wilson signed with the Saints on March 25, 2026.
  • Rattler lost the Saints' starting QB job to Shough during the 2025 season.

The players

Zach Wilson

A 26-year-old quarterback who was the no. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He spent last season with the Miami Dolphins and now joins the Saints to compete for the backup QB job behind Tyler Shough.

Tyler Shough

The Saints' starting quarterback who took over the job from Spencer Rattler during the 2025 season and emerged as a rookie of the year candidate.

Spencer Rattler

The Saints' former starting quarterback who lost his job to Shough during the 2025 season and will now compete with Zach Wilson to be Shough's backup.

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What they’re saying

“Saints are signing QB Zach Wilson, according to a source. Adds a veteran presence and some competition to the QB room behind Tyler Shough. Wilson, 26, was the No. 2 pick in 2021. He gives New Orleans a third quarterback with starting experience.”

— Nick Underhill

What’s next

The Saints will hold an open competition between Rattler and Wilson throughout the offseason and preseason to determine who will be Shough's primary backup in 2026.

The takeaway

By adding a former first-round QB in Zach Wilson to compete with Spencer Rattler, the Saints are ensuring they have quality depth and competition behind their young starting quarterback Tyler Shough as they look to develop him into their long-term answer at the position.