Zach Wilson’s New Chapter with the Miami Dolphins
The NFL offseason has brought an intriguing development for quarterback Zach Wilson, as the former New York Jets first-round pick has found a new home in the AFC East. On Monday, Wilson signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, according to ESPN. The contract is fully guaranteed and could max out at $10 million, offering Wilson a fresh opportunity to prove his worth in the league. This move comes after a season spent with the Denver Broncos, where Wilson failed to see regular-season action but showed promise during the preseason. Now, he joins a Dolphins team looking to solidify its quarterback depth behind Tua Tagovailoa, who has struggled with injuries in recent years.
Wilson’s Journey from the Jets to the Broncos
Zach Wilson’s NFL career began with high expectations when the Jets selected him with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Hailed as a franchise quarterback, Wilson was expected to lead the Jets back to relevance. However, his tenure in New York was uneven, and the team ultimately traded him to the Denver Broncos last offseason. Despite his potential, Wilson did not play a single regular-season snap for the Broncos, finding himself behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham on the depth chart. The Broncos declined to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, allowing him to enter free agency this offseason. Now, Wilson has a chance to reboot his career in Miami.
A Glimpse of Wilson’s Potential
Although Wilson did not see the field during the regular season with the Broncos, he made an impact during the preseason. In four games, he completed 28 of 44 passes for 397 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the talent that made him a top draft pick. His performance was enough to turn heads and generate optimism about his future. Now, with the Dolphins, Wilson will have the chance to compete for a backup role and potentially step into a starting position if injuries arise.
The Miami Dolphins’ Quarterback Situation
The Dolphins’ decision to sign Wilson comes as no surprise, given Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history. Tagovailoa played in only 11 games last season due to concussion concerns and other ailments. While he remains the clear starter when healthy, his durability issues make having a reliable backup crucial. Wilson’s arrival provides the Dolphins with a quarterback who, despite his struggles, has the physical tools and upside to step in if needed. If Tagovailoa misses time again, Wilson could find himself thrust into a significant role in 2025.
Wilson’s Growth and Development
Wilson’s time in Denver, though uneventful in terms of regular-season playing time, was not without its benefits. Former teammates and observers noted that his year away from the spotlight allowed him to focus on his development without the pressure of being a high-profile starter. Tight end Adam Trautman, who played with Wilson in Denver, told The Athletic that the quarterback benefited from the "stress-free" environment, where he could dedicate himself to improving his craft. Wide receiver David Sills also praised Wilson’s talent, predicting that he would eventually thrive in the NFL. Sills emphasized that Wilson has "all the attributes you want in a quarterback" and believes it’s only a matter of time before he becomes one of the league’s top performers.
What the Future Holds for Zach Wilson
As Zach Wilson prepares to begin his new chapter with the Miami Dolphins, the question remains: can he realize the potential that made him a first-round pick? Wilson’s journey so far has been a mix of highs and lows, but his preseason performance and the endorsements from his former teammates suggest that he still has a lot to offer. With a fully guaranteed contract and a chance to learn behind Tua Tagovailoa, Wilson has the opportunity to prove himself once again. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, he may yet carve out a successful NFL career. For now, all eyes will be on Wilson as helooks to make the most of his fresh start in Miami.
