Saints fans finally got their wish. The New Orleans Saints made a surprise move to bring in Zach Wilson on Tuesday night. With Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler gave the team two quarterbacks in Year 3 or younger. Fans pled for this a year ago. A year later, the Saints finally got a veteran quarterback. It just isn't who fans were expecting.
Wilson isn't the most veteran quarterback in the league, but he's been around the block a few more times than Shough or Rattler. Wilson spent the first three years of his career starting for the Jets. They weren't successful years, but if you're looking for a veteran set of eyes, Wilson technically fits the bill.
Breaking news: Wilson isn't coming to compete for a staring role. However, a battle between Wilson and Rattler for the backup role should be expected at training camp. Whoever falls in the battle will fall in as the emergency quarterback and possibly be a casualty at roster cut down. The Saints only went with two quarterbacks after camp this year.
Zach Wilson is hoping Kellen Moore can make him the next Sam Darnold
We've seen a few highly drafted quarterbacks flame out at their first destination and find success elsewhere. Geno Smith never wrote back. Baker Mayfield resides in NFC South and has found himself in the playoffs a couple of times with Tampa Bay. Mac Jones looks primed to be the next in line after impressing with the 49ers while Brock Purdy was out. There's no better example of this archetype recently than Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold.
Every single one of those players took multiple stops before they were ready for the moment. Even Darnold made pitstops with the Panthers and 49ers before succeeding with the Vikings. Wilson has made some stops, and now Moore has the chance to do what Sean Payton couldn't.
Wilson spent a year with the Denver Broncos, but nothing came from it. Bo Nix played every game his rookie year, leaving no room for Wilson. He'll be stepping into a similar situation with the Saints. Shough is going to take all the attempts, but Moore may have better luck reinvigorating Wilson's career.
Wilson has taken in multiple systems, but the aforementioned quarterbacks proves you just need to fall in the right one to learn. Does Darnold become who he is now if he doesn't spend a season with Kyle Shanahan? Moore has shown the ability to develop both Shough and Rattler last offseason. That had to influence Wilson's decision. Only time will tell if it's the right gamble.