The New Orleans Saints enter the final stages of their preseason with quarterback Zach Wilson having secured a spot on the team's 53-man roster, leaving the organization to decide who will serve as the primary backup to starter Tyler Shough. Wilson, a former BYU standout, survived a series of roster cuts on Aug. 30, 2026, as the team finalized its lineup for the upcoming NFL season.
Quarterback Competition Intensifies
The competition for the backup role has intensified following a preseason performance by Wilson that impressed coaching staff. During the Saints' preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 15, 2026, Wilson showed significant progress, a sentiment echoed by head coach Kellen Moore. Moore noted that Wilson has been growing through the offseason program and has done a good job applying himself to the team's system.
Preseason Rotations and Performance
Coach Moore highlighted the depth of the quarterback room, stating that the group is as talented as any he has been around. The preseason has seen various rotations, with Spencer Rattler and Wilson both earning significant playing time. Rattler started the first preseason game against Jacksonville, while Wilson has been earning snaps with the second-team offense during joint practices, such as the one held against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 20, 2026.
Depth Chart Dynamics
The race for the backup position is complicated by the presence of starter Tyler Shough. While the team's depth chart currently lists Shough as the first-team quarterback, with Rattler as the second-team and Wilson as the third-team, the coaching staff has remained non-committal regarding specific roles for the remainder of the preseason. Moore indicated that the team will continue to use different rotations to evaluate the talent in the room.
Wilson's Career Path
Wilson's journey to the Saints roster included a significant career path following his collegiate success at BYU. Originally selected second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Wilson has since played for the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins. On March 26, 2026, the Saints signed the unrestricted free agent to a one-year contract to bolster their offensive depth.
Collegiate and Professional History
During his collegiate career with the Cougars, Wilson established several records, including a school-record 73.5% completion percentage in 2020. His professional career has included 38 games and 33 starts across several NFL franchises. In his most recent season with the Miami Dolphins in 2025, he appeared in four games, completing six of 11 passes for 32 yards.
Preparing for the Regular Season
As the Saints prepare for their regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 13, 2026, at Ford Field, the team is also managing various injuries. While the quarterback position remains a primary focus, other roster moves have been dictated by health, including the placement of players on Injured Reserve and the designation of players to return. The team has also been working to establish a practice squad following the final roster cuts.
Looking Toward September
The Saints' ability to solidify their backup quarterback position will be a key factor as they transition from preseason evaluations to the regular season. With a talented group of young players, including rookie receiver Bryce Lance and cornerback Jayden Price, the organization is focused on establishing a high-octane identity for the 2026 campaign.
