Zach Wilson reveals why the Saints became his priority, seeking a scheme and coaching staff that could reignite his NFL career.
The New Orleans Saints found themselves a backup quarterback this offseason. He comes with plenty of acclaim.
Former early NFL draft pick of polarizing quarterback Zach Wilson has joined the Saints after what has been an up and down professional football career in his short time in the league. Now, Wilson finds a fresh start with the Saints.
Wilson shared what made the team a desirable destination and how he plans to approach his second chance with a top NFL organization.
"There were some other teams I was looking at. I know New Orleans is in a little bit of a rebuild as well, and that can be a plus or a minus, however you look at it.
But I felt like for me, I picked based off of priorities — like, finding (coaches) that had played the position, an offense that I felt comfortable with, that I could go in and play well, a great fan base, great culture, great place to live. That stuff was maybe more important to me than some of the other things you look at in the process of free agency. ...
(The) priority for me is getting into an offense that I feel like fits me. And I felt like with Kellen, and our offensive coordinator and QB coach as well, ...I feel like it's a good fit there. Somebody that knows how to develop the position the right way and handle it the right way. I like what we do protection-wise and scheme-wise. That stuff is important. The rest of it, if I just go out there and I do my best, I feel like things will work out."
Miami Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson (0) throws a pass against New England Patriots defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III (93) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Brian Fluharty-Imagn ImagesMost reclamation projects usually do not yield much better results. As is the case with simply making the league, changing opinions about oneself as a player and transforming one's NFL career is also rare. There have been exceptions, though, and Wilson might be able to take this opportunity to prove that he does in fact belong in the National Football League.
The move helps the Saints, too, although that is perhaps a secondary takeaway from the addition. While New Orleans looks as set at quarterback as it has been since Drew Brees departed, with the addition of Tyler Shough at the position, they do add much needed depth at the position. We'll see if it yields the results they are looking for, but on the surface, the move so far looks like a clear win-win deal.