Ex-Jets Quarterback Aims for Future Starting Role with Miami Dolphins
After spending the 2024 season as Bo Nix's backup with the Denver Broncos, Zach Wilson is gearing up for another backup role, this time with the Miami Dolphins. However, the former second-overall pick still envisions himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL. “I still believe I can be a starter in this league whenever that opportunity comes,” Wilson said, per the Associated Press' Alanis Thames. “And so I just try to put myself in the best situation with the best team and coaches and do the absolute best that I can.” Wilson signed a one-year, six-million contract with the Dolphins in March, positioning himself as a reliable insurance option behind Tua Tagovailoa. While he did not take a single snap in 2024, his time in Denver allowed him to develop behind a rookie quarterback. Now, he sees Miami as a prime opportunity to continue his growth under head coach Mike McDaniel.
Wilson specifically chose Miami because of McDaniel’s track record of developing quarterbacks. He pointed to the way the Dolphins’ staff has helped Tagovailoa evolve since McDaniel’s arrival in 2022. “You’ve seen what the ability to get people that believe in you (can do) and a staff that makes everything else around him better,” Wilson said. “And he’s played at an extremely high level. I don’t think that’s ever anything bad to be around or to see and learn from.” Tagovailoa has flourished under McDaniel, leading the league in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624 yards. His development offers Wilson a blueprint to follow as he works to refine his own skills in Miami.
Wilson’s NFL journey began when the New York Jets selected him second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Tasked with turning around the franchise, Wilson struggled with consistency, posting a 12-win and 21-loss record as a starter with 6,293 passing yards, 498 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. His tenure was marked by flashes of potential but overshadowed by poor decision-making and erratic play. The Jets effectively moved on from Wilson when they traded for Aaron Rodgers in 2023. When Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in Week One, Wilson resumed starting duties but was eventually benched again. In his final season with New York, Wilson showed minor improvements, finishing with 2,271 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 12 games.
Wilson understands that he likely won’t see the field much in 2025 unless injuries arise. However, he believes that every practice rep is an opportunity to improve and prove himself. He also acknowledged the uncertainty of free agency but expressed gratitude for landing in Miami. “It was a challenge, but ultimately, I felt like this was the right place to be,” Wilson said. The Dolphins needed a reliable backup after struggling with depth behind Tagovailoa last season. Miami rotated through three backups, Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle, and Tyler Huntley, with little success. Huntley, who started five games, finished with a 2-3 record. General manager Chris Grier emphasized the importance of stability at the quarterback position: “That’s a position we will always focus on, and it will be a position that we will focus on this offseason.”
Wilson’s journey hasn’t gone as expected, but he remains optimistic. While his immediate role is clear, he hopes to use this opportunity to prove he deserves another shot as a starting quarterback. “I still believe I can be a starter in this league whenever that opportunity comes,” Wilson reiterated. For now, his focus is on learning, improving, and staying ready should his number be called. With the right development and a fresh start in Miami, Wilson may still have a chance to rewrite his NFL story.
