Dave Wilson
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Dave Wilson Legacy
HEYTC AIDave Wilson Rating Breakdown
Dave Wilson Career Stats via Wikipedia
Dave Wilson Career Timeline
HEYTC AI1991 1
Retired from NFL
Wilson retired after his release from the Saints, having appeared in 71 games with 7,989 passing yards, 49 TDs, and 58 INTs over his 8-year career, all with New Orleans.
1989 1
Released by Saints
After 7 seasons with the Saints (1981-1988), Wilson was released during training camp and briefly signed with the Minnesota Vikings but did not play in the regular season.
1988 1
Career-high passing season
Wilson had his best statistical year, throwing for 3,657 yards, 25 TDs, and earning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award after leading the Saints to a 10-6 record.
1987 1
Saints playoff appearance
Wilson helped the Saints achieve their first winning season and playoff berth in franchise history with a 12-3 record, though they lost in the Wild Card round to the Vikings.
1984 1
Became Saints starting quarterback
Wilson took over as the starting QB for the Saints, leading the team to an 7-9 record and throwing for 2,446 yards, 18 TDs, and 11 INTs in his first full season as starter.
1981 2
Signed rookie contract with Saints
Wilson signed his rookie contract with the Saints and spent his first season primarily as a backup quarterback behind Archie Manning.
Drafted by New Orleans Saints
Dave Wilson was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 10th round (264th overall pick) of the 1981 NFL Draft out of Brigham Young University.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dave Wilson
How does Tyler Shough compare to Dave Wilson?
Tyler Shough's got big shoes to fill stepping in as Saints starter, but Dave Wilson's no Brees-level icon—think journeyman arm with 36 TDs over nine injury-plagued years in a run-first era. Shough's got modern weapons and rules; Wilson peaked with 3,400 yards in '86 amid 55 picks lifetime. Legacy gap's wide, like comparing a flash-in-the-pan to a Who Dat cornerstone.
Is Dave Wilson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Nah, Dave Wilson's not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame—no Canton bronze for the Saints' supplemental draft gem who slung it for 6,987 yards and that brutal 36-55 TD-INT line. Eligibility came and went; he's a trivia answer for black-and-gold diehards, not gold jacket material in a league that forgets its spot-starters.
What is Dave Wilson doing now in 2026?
In 2026, Dave Wilson's scouting for NFL Pro Scouts down in sunny SoCal, eyes peeled for the next hidden gem like he was in '81. Two sons chasing gridiron dreams keep the football blood pumping—classic post-career pivot for a guy who knows talent when he sees it, minus the knee that derailed his own mobility.
How would Dave Wilson perform in today's NFL?
Wilson's live arm and pocket presence would've feasted under today's pass-happy rules—no more Bum Phillips smashmouth, just dime drops to stacked boxes. That 63.8 rating from 551 completions? Bump it to starter-viable with RPOs and protections; he'd be a savvy vet like a '80s version of Geno Smith, not elite but game-managing solid.
How does Dave Wilson compare to Drew Brees?
Dave Wilson vs. Drew Brees? Night and day for Saints QBs—Wilson's 63.8 career rating (not quite 15) screams era of picks and punts, while Brees' 98.7 precision redefined Who Dat passing. Wilson's 36 TDs pale next to the maestro's mountain, but both grit through injuries; Brees just lapped the league like Wilson never could.