The New Orleans Saints trimmed their preseason roster from 90 to 53 players this week, and among the names that survived the cut was Zach Wilson. The former BYU quarterback, once a top draft prospect, now finds himself listed as the team’s emergency third‑string quarterback, a role that carries both promise and uncertainty.
Wilson’s placement on the final roster was not a given. He entered training camp battling Spencer Rattler for the backup position behind starter Tyler Shough, and the competition was closely watched by coaches and analysts alike.
During the exhibition games, Wilson demonstrated why he deserved a spot on the roster. He completed 28 of 40 passes for 293 yards and one touchdown, and his first‑game outing saw him throw for 145 yards with a scoring strike, numbers that helped carve a clear separation from Rattler despite the latter’s solid performance in the second week.
Wilson’s journey to this point has been marked by rapid transitions. After being selected second overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 draft, he struggled to find consistency in the NFL, leading to stints with the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. Repeated moves between active rosters and practice squads characterized his first few seasons, making his current stability with the Saints a notable milestone.
The Saints’ decision to retain both Wilson and Rattler reflects a strategic choice to maintain depth at quarterback, even as the team evaluates its long‑term plans at the position. While Wilson does not count toward the 48‑player game‑day roster, his presence on the 53‑man list signals the coaching staff’s confidence in his potential contributions.
Looking Ahead
Whether Wilson will see meaningful snaps in the regular season remains an open question. The Saints have not announced a definitive role for him, and his playing time will likely depend on injuries, performance in practice, and the team’s tactical needs. For now, his inclusion serves as a testament to resilience and the occasional payoff of perseverance in a demanding league.