Saints Sign QB Zach Wilson to One-Year Deal

Former 2nd overall pick joins New Orleans after stint with Dolphins

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:10am

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The New Orleans Saints have signed unrestricted free agent quarterback Zach Wilson to a one-year contract. Wilson was originally drafted 2nd overall by the New York Jets in 2021 and has spent time with the Broncos and Dolphins over his 5-year NFL career so far.

Why it matters

The Saints are looking to bolster their quarterback depth after an injury-plagued 2025 season. Wilson, a former highly-touted prospect, will compete for the backup job behind the Saints' starting QB.

The details

Wilson, 6-2 and 214 lbs, was a first round pick by the Jets in 2021 out of BYU. In 38 career NFL games, he has completed 572-of-1,004 passes for 6,325 yards, 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. He also has 499 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs. In 2025, he played in 4 games for the Dolphins, completing 6-of-11 passes for 32 yards.

  • Wilson was originally drafted 2nd overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft.
  • He spent 5 seasons in the NFL from 2021-2025, playing for the Jets, Broncos and Dolphins.
  • Wilson signed a 1-year contract with the Saints on March 27, 2026.

The players

Zach Wilson

A 6-2, 214 lb quarterback who was originally drafted 2nd overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft out of BYU. He has spent time with the Broncos and Dolphins over his 5-year NFL career so far.

New Orleans Saints

An NFL team based in New Orleans, Louisiana that competes in the National Football League.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add Zach to our quarterback room and give him a chance to compete for the backup job. He's a talented player who we think can thrive in our system.”

— Mickey Loomis, Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager

What’s next

Wilson will compete with the Saints' current backup QB for the primary backup role behind the team's starting quarterback.

The takeaway

The Saints are taking a low-risk flier on former 2nd overall pick Zach Wilson, hoping he can revive his career and provide quality depth at the QB position after an injury-plagued 2025 season.