Zach Wilson made things look Big Easy in his New Orleans debut.
Wilson, getting the start for the Saints in their preseason opener on Saturday, made quite the impression by throwing for 145 yards and a touchdown — with no turnovers.
The former No. 2 overall draft pick by the Jets completed 11 of his 16 passes and finished his effort with a 118 passer rating.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Zach Wilson throws during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in New Orleans. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
Wilson, 27, has posted just three NFL regular season games with a passer rating over 100, and though this game ultimately won’t count in the record book, he did make a strong case to be the backup behind Tyler Shough.
Wilson made multiple downfield throws, including a 28-yard pass off play-action to get the Saints down to the 1-yard line. The BYU product then finished off that drive with a quick pass for his first throwing touchdown of the preseason.
He added two more deep throws — a 37-yard pass and a 28-yarder — on the final drive of the half for New Orleans, setting up a field goal.
Wilson made his case for the backup job while Spencer Rattler went 8-for-11 with just 42 yards passing while also fumbling the ball.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Zach Wilson (4) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Oscar Delp (88) during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Wilson’s NFL odyssey has seen him go from hyped Jets draft selection to getting traded to the Broncos for a late-round selection before failing to catch on in a meaningful way with the Dolphins.
He joined the Saints on a one-year deal this offseason, making it the fourth team of his career, as he hopes to regain his footing professionally.
It’s been a busy few weeks for Wilson, who welcomed a baby girl to the world with his wife, Nicolette, on July 22. It is their first child together.
