Zach Wilson just opened up about his “brutal three years” in New York, straight up admitting his biggest fear with the Jets was becoming “another Sam Darnold, Geno Smith story.” Unfortunately, those are his exact words for what happened. This dude was the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL draft, leaving his parents’ home for the searing spotlight of New York City, and it sounds like the reality hit him like a sack in the backfield.
Three Brutal Years and a Long Road Back
He knew it was going to be tough, had “sort of an idea” what he was getting into, but the full weight of it, he says, didn’t land for months, maybe even years. Wilson wished he could go back and change “the whole thing,” saying if he could, he’d love to be where he feels like he is now. He’s been bouncing around, spending 2024 with the Broncos and 2025 with the Dolphins before landing in New Orleans this March. It’s his fourth different team as he heads into his sixth season. Talk about a whirlwind. He recently appeared at a ticketed event in Sandy, charging $25 for autographs and pics, where he chatted about his journey.
New Orleans, Kellen Moore, and a Fresh Start
Wilson signed a $1.4 million, one-year deal with the Saints, with nearly $600K guaranteed and an extra $187,500 signing bonus. He’s already calling New Orleans “one of my absolute favorite places I’ve been,” and he’s only just getting started there. A huge reason for that? Second-year Saints head coach Kellen Moore. Wilson mentioned how Denver and New Orleans run very similar offensive styles, which he feels “fits my style of play so well.” He loves Kellen and says he’s doing an “awesome job.” He had other options when his one-year, $6 million deal with the Dolphins expired in February, but he kept coming back to Moore and the Saints’ system, believing it would help him reach his full potential.
“It’s been exactly what I expected,” Wilson said about working with Moore. He’s “really enjoyed being there” and playing with his new teammates. It sounds like he’s just happy to be “playing ball again right now,” which is all he can ask for. He’s found some peace, even after those three brutal years, entering what is a crucial season for him in New Orleans. Can he truly rewrite his story there? He’s looking to prove it, one practice at a time.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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