With just 11 days remaining until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2026 regular season, excitement is building for the team's upcoming matchup against the Detroit Lions. The Saints will open their season on the road, facing off against the Lions on Sunday, September 13. In this countdown to kickoff, quarterback Zach Wilson has been recognized as the Saints Player of Day 11.
Zach Wilson, who wears the number 11 for the Saints, was acquired during the offseason in free agency. The 27-year-old quarterback, originally drafted second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, is looking to rejuvenate his career after a challenging stint in New York. Wilson's journey has been marked by both promise and struggles, and now he aims to make a significant impact in New Orleans.
In his collegiate career at Brigham Young University (BYU), Wilson demonstrated impressive skills, becoming the youngest quarterback to start for the Cougars in 2018. He completed 65.9% of his passes as a freshman, throwing for 1,578 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions. His standout performance in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where he completed all 18 of his passes for 317 yards and 4 touchdowns, earned him the MVP title.
Wilson's subsequent seasons at BYU saw him continue to develop as a quarterback. In 2019, he started nine games, finishing with a 62.4% completion rate, 2,382 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. His 2020 season was particularly noteworthy, as he led the Cougars to an 11-1 record, boasting a remarkable 73.5% completion percentage and 33 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions. This performance garnered him recognition as the 2020 Polynesian Player of the Year.
After being selected by the Jets, Wilson faced a challenging transition to the NFL. In his rookie season, he started 13 games, but the team struggled to find success, finishing with a 3-10 record. His performance included a completion percentage of 55.6%, with 9 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The following year, he had a slight improvement, but the Jets ultimately decided to move on from him, trading him to the Denver Broncos during the 2024 offseason.
While with the Broncos, Wilson served as a third-string quarterback and was later released. He had a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins in 2025, where he saw limited action. This offseason, the Saints took a chance on Wilson, who is now competing for backup duties behind starter Tyler Shough. During the preseason, Wilson showcased his athleticism and arm strength, though concerns about his ability to read defenses and accuracy remain.
As the Saints prepare for their season opener, Wilson's journey serves as a reminder of the potential for redemption in the NFL. Many players, including former draft picks like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, have found success after initial struggles. With the Saints looking to make a mark in the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Wilson as he attempts to carve out a role in New Orleans.
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