Saints Add QB Zach Wilson, Impacting Spencer Rattler

New Saints QB Zach Wilson's arrival raises questions about Spencer Rattler's future role.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:48am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game scene, with sharp planes of navy, gold, and crimson colors representing the dynamic competition for the Saints' backup QB position.The Saints' quarterback depth chart becomes more competitive with the addition of Zach Wilson, creating an intriguing battle for the backup role.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints have signed former Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, adding him to their roster and creating a competition for the backup QB spot behind starter Jameis Winston. This move has implications for current Saints backup Spencer Rattler, whose future role with the team is now uncertain.

Why it matters

The Saints' decision to bring in Zach Wilson signals their desire to bolster the quarterback depth chart, but it also raises questions about the long-term plans for Spencer Rattler, who was previously expected to be the primary backup. This move could impact Rattler's playing time and development opportunities with the Saints.

The details

The Saints signed Zach Wilson, the former second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, to a two-year contract. Wilson will now compete with Spencer Rattler for the backup quarterback job behind starter Jameis Winston. Rattler was the Saints' third-round pick in the 2025 draft and was expected to be Winston's understudy, but Wilson's addition creates an open competition for the QB2 role.

  • The Saints signed Zach Wilson to a two-year contract on March 29, 2026.

The players

Zach Wilson

A former second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Wilson was recently signed by the Saints to compete for the backup quarterback job.

Spencer Rattler

The Saints' third-round pick in the 2025 draft, Rattler was previously expected to be the primary backup to starter Jameis Winston.

Jameis Winston

The Saints' starting quarterback, who will now have increased competition for the backup role with the addition of Zach Wilson.

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What they’re saying

“Zach's addition gives us more depth and competition at the quarterback position, which is always a good thing. Spencer is still a big part of our future plans, but now he'll have to earn that backup job.”

— Kellen Moore, Saints Offensive Coordinator

What’s next

The Saints will hold an open competition between Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler for the backup quarterback job during training camp and the preseason.

The takeaway

The Saints' decision to sign Zach Wilson adds an experienced NFL quarterback to the roster, but it also creates uncertainty around Spencer Rattler's future role with the team. This move will lead to an intriguing training camp battle for the backup QB spot behind Jameis Winston.