By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-16 19:22:28 | Updated at 2026-08-17 00:31:37
6 hours ago
Zach Wilson, saddled with the 'draft bust' label as he tries to salvage his NFL career, is giving the New Orleans Saints plenty of reasons to take him seriously as a potential backup to Tyler Shough.
Now with his fourth team since the New York Jets drafted him second overall in 2021, Wilson enlivened New Orleans' offense with downfield throws during the Saints' 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in both teams' preseason opener on Saturday.
'Obviously, I'm here to compete,' Wilson said after completing 11 of 16 passes for 145 yards and a short touchdown to rookie tight end Oscar Delp.
'I'm still young, but I feel like I've been able to play in a lot of games and see a lot of different things, and so I feel like it's been able to slow down a little bit for me.'
Wilson connected Bub Means for 27 and 37 yards, and rookie Barion Brown for 28 yards, as he led the Saints to a touchdown and field goal late in the first half.
'Zach's a really talented quarterback,' second-year coach Kellen Moore said. 'He's still got tons of growing to do and I think he's done a great job of applying himself this year in this system. So, I'm proud of what he was able to do out there.'
Zach Wilson impressed in his first game with the Saints as he tries to revive his NFL career
Wilson made plenty of downfield throws during the Saints' 24-20 loss to the Jaguars
Earlier this month, Wilson and his wife, Nicolette, shared the first photos of their baby daughter
Earlier this month, Wilson and his wife, Nicolette, shared the first photos of their newborn daughter following a scary seven-week stay in ICU.
Nicolette took to Instagram to post heartwarming family pictures featuring the couple cradling daughter Francesca Belle in the hospital.
In her post, Nicolette wrote: 'Our sweet Francesca Belle came into the world seven weeks early on July 22nd, and we couldn't love her more.
'She has been an absolute rockstar in the NICU, growing stronger every single day, and we can't wait for the day we finally bring her home!
'Miss Frankie Girl, you've already changed our lives in the most beautiful way. You've filled our hearts with a love we never knew was possible, and we couldn't love you more, sweet baby girl!!!'
The announcement sparked an outpouring of support from across the sports world, with figures like Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and former New York Jets teammate Garrett Wilson sending congratulations.
The couple's joyful milestone comes just a year after tying the knot in a lavish Manhattan ceremony in June 2025.
