Saints Sign Former Top Pick to Back Up QB Tyler Shough

The Saints are bringing in some quarterback competition for Tyler Shough in the form of a former first-round pick.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 5:10am

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The New Orleans Saints have signed quarterback Zach Wilson, a former second-overall pick, to a one-year deal to serve as a backup to second-year starter Tyler Shough. Wilson, who struggled with the New York Jets after being drafted highly in 2021, will look to revive his career in New Orleans and learn from Shough and coach Kellen Moore.

Why it matters

The Saints are hoping to develop Shough as their long-term answer at quarterback after the retirement of Drew Brees, and bringing in Wilson provides additional competition and experience in the quarterback room as the team rebuilds. While Shough is expected to remain the starter, Wilson's presence could push him to improve or provide an experienced backup option if needed.

The details

Shough, a second-round pick in 2022, had a solid rookie season as the Saints' starting quarterback, posting a 5-4 record in his first nine starts. The Saints are now adding Wilson, the second-overall pick in 2021 by the New York Jets, on a one-year deal to serve as a backup option. Wilson struggled in his two seasons with the Jets, throwing 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, before spending the last two years as a backup in Denver and Miami.

  • Shough started 9 games for the Saints in the 2022 season.
  • The Saints signed Wilson to a one-year deal in March 2026.

The players

Tyler Shough

The second-round pick in 2022 who started 9 games for the Saints in his rookie season, posting a 5-4 record.

Zach Wilson

The former second-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft who struggled with the New York Jets and has spent the last two seasons as a backup in Denver and Miami.

Kellen Moore

The Saints' offensive coordinator, who has a history of developing quarterbacks at his previous coaching stops.

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What’s next

The Saints will evaluate Zach Wilson's performance throughout training camp, and he will need to prove himself in order to make the final roster and serve as the backup to Tyler Shough.

The takeaway

The Saints are taking a low-risk flier on former first-round pick Zach Wilson in hopes that he can revive his career and provide experienced depth behind their young starting quarterback Tyler Shough. While Shough is expected to remain the starter, Wilson's presence could push him to improve or provide an experienced backup option if needed as the Saints continue to rebuild their roster.