Former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson has found a new lease on his NFL career after signing a fully guaranteed one-year, $6 million contract with the Miami Dolphins during the offseason. After a challenging stint with the Jets and a year spent on the sidelines as a third-string quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Wilson has been given a key opportunity by Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who recognized his potential during his time at BYU.
Wilson’s season with Miami has been filled with ups and downs. Although he began the year backing up starter Tua Tagovailoa, he briefly lost his QB2 position to rookie Quinn Ewers, only to reclaim it later in the season. In a surprising turn of events, Wilson could be poised to start an NFL game for the first time in over two years. After the Dolphins’ disappointing 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Tagovailoa threw his NFL-leading 15th interception, Coach McDaniel hinted at the prospect of a quarterback change, suggesting that Tagovailoa’s performance “was not good enough.”
The Dolphins have been officially eliminated from playoff contention, making it an opportune time to reassess their quarterback situation. With questions surrounding Tagovailoa’s future in Miami, the team may look to evaluate its options for the remainder of the season. While Ewers, selected by the Dolphins in the draft, could also be considered, Wilson is currently positioned as the backup and has seen some game action this year, albeit limited.
Wilson’s last meaningful appearance was during Week 14 against the Jets, where he participated in a couple of kneel-downs. Should he start, it would mark a significant moment for Wilson, allowing him to showcase his abilities once again after being traded away by the Jets in the 2024 offseason. A strong performance could pave the way for him to secure a backup role, possibly ensuring his place in the league for another season.
As McDaniel continues to evaluate his options, Wilson’s path forward is filled with possibilities. This unexpected opportunity to start could be pivotal for his career, offering him a chance to demonstrate his skills and potentially reignite his journey in the NFL.