The Dolphins found quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's backup for the 2025 season in Zach Wilson. The former second-overall selection agreed to terms with the Dolphins on a one-year contract.
From MetLife to Mile High
Expecting to reset and develop in his game as backup to Aaron Rodgers in 2023, Wilson found himself back under center after Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury and was tasked with guiding the Jets for the next 17 games. He was traded to Denver in the offseason and spent the 2024 campaign under Sean Payton's tutelage, where he made quite an impression.
"A year under Sean Payton did him a lot of good," Albert Breer of Monday Morning Quarterback wrote. "Based on what the people in Denver were saying about Wilson after the season, I would not dismiss this signing."
Rocky Mountain feeling
Wilson's tape with the Broncos, albeit limited to preseason action, is the best of his young career. He looked poised and played on time in an offense that suited his skills. This story from The Athletic covering last year's Broncos training camp highlights some of the ability that made Wilson the second pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
"He made half a dozen throws that are really impressive; that made the coaches all look at each other after he threw it," offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. "I think he was disappointed in the game he had on Sunday, but, man, he's had two outstanding practices since that game."
That bounce back from a disappointing outing spoke volumes to the Denver staff about Wilson's character and resolve.
Adversity is an opportunity
Wilson arrived in Denver with his sights set on the future and an understanding that adversity is an opportunity for learning lessons.
"I feel like you learn the most when things are not going the best," Wilson said. "You bank those reps and you learn from them. In three years of things being challenging, you're going to learn a lot of things. Hopefully, I can keep carrying those (lessons) with me."
Scramblin' Man
Wilson's arm talent is part of the makeup that made him the second pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. His ability to win with his legs played a big part, too, and it carried over the NFL. Over his career, Wilson has 55 scrambles for 490 yards (an average of 8.9 yards per scramble).
He also rushed for three touchdowns with the Jets, including a 52-yard scoring scamper vs. the Jaguars in 2021. On that run, Wilson reached a top speed of 19.19 miles per hour, the highest of his career.
For more information on Zach Wilson and the entire Dolphins 2025 free agency class, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available wherever you get your podcasts.
