Zach Wilson’s New Chapter: Joining the Miami Dolphins
In a move that has the NFL buzzing, free agent quarterback Zach Wilson has reached an agreement with the Miami Dolphins on a one-year, $6 million, fully guaranteed deal. This contract has the potential to grow to $10 million, according to sources who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday. This development marks a significant turn in Wilson’s career, bringing him back to the AFC East and positioning him as a veteran backup behind the Dolphins’ starter, Tua Tagovailoa.
Wilson’s journey to Miami has been anything but straightforward. Drafted No. 2 by the New York Jets in 2021, Wilson’s early career was marked by challenges and a quest for redemption. Last season, he found himself with the Denver Broncos, who traded a sixth-round pick to the Jets for Wilson and a seventh-rounder last April. The Broncos were hopeful that Wilson could bounce back from his struggles in New York.
At 25, Wilson was thrust into a competitive environment in Denver, vying for the starting quarterback position alongside rookie Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham. Throughout Denver’s offseason program and early training camp, Wilson was in a three-way competition. However, Coach Sean Payton eventually narrowed it down to a two-man race between Nix and Stidham just a week into camp.
Wilson’s performance in Denver’s preseason finale was a standout moment. He threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns, and even rushed for a score. This impressive display convinced the Broncos that Wilson would be unlikely to clear waivers if they attempted to add him to their practice squad. As a result, Wilson remained on the roster as the third quarterback for the season.
Despite not playing a single snap in 2024, Wilson’s pregame workouts with quarterback coach Davis Webb became a spectacle. His arm strength, which had made him a first-round draft pick, was on full display, drawing the attention of advance scouts from other teams. Coach Payton consistently praised Wilson’s work ethic, expressing hope that “you put a guy in position to make a lot of money.” Wilson was also credited by both Payton and Webb as being instrumental in Nix’s development as a rookie. Nix himself described Wilson as a reliable voice and sounding board, given his 33 NFL starts, including 13 as a rookie with the Jets.
However, Wilson’s time with the Jets was fraught with difficulties. He had a 12-21 record as a starter, threw more interceptions (25) than touchdown passes (23), and completed only 57% of his passes. His QBR of 33.6 ranked 35th out of 36 qualified passers over his three years. Leadership questions arose, and after the 2023 season, the Jets allowed him to explore trade options, leading to his move to Denver just before last April’s NFL draft.
In addition to Wilson’s signing, the Dolphins are making other strategic moves. They are signing former Steelers guard James Daniels to a three-year, $24 million contract, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Daniels started 36 games in his first two years in Pittsburgh and the first four of 2024 before a season-ending Achilles injury against the Indianapolis Colts.
Moreover, the Dolphins are bolstering their line by signing former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Larry Borom, as confirmed by ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, corroborating a report by NFL Network.
- Wilson’s new deal with the Dolphins is a one-year, $6 million fully guaranteed contract.
- He was drafted No. 2 by the New York Jets in 2021.
- Wilson’s record as a starter with the Jets was 12-21.
- He had more interceptions (25) than touchdown passes (23) during his time with the Jets.
- Wilson’s QBR was 33.6, ranking 35th out of 36 qualified passers.
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold and Brooke Pryor contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN
