Zach Wilson will reportedly sign a one-year, $6 million contract with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday when free agents can officially agree to terms with their new teams. Wilson’s base salary will be fully guaranteed and the deal could reportedly grow to $10 million dollars if performance thresholds are hit.
That kind of financial commitment to a backup quarterback reflects the fact that Wilson was a priority signing for Miami and they have confidence he can effectively carry the torch should starter Tua Tagovailoa miss time.
Ideally, the former BYU star would be joining a team where he could immediately compete for a starting quarterback position. As I had previously written, the Las Vegas Raiders seemed to be the best destination for Wilson to potentially earn a starting gig, but the Raiders surprised many around the league by recently pulling off a trade with the Seattle Seahawks for Geno Smith. Veteran Sam Darnold then signed with the Seahawks, thus closing those doors for Zach.
Zach Wilson’s ideal situation with the Dolphins
While Zach Wilson won’t be battling incumbent starter Tua Tagovailoa for the QB1 spot with the Dolphins, landing in Miami is about the best backup opportunity the former BYU star could ask for.
First, there is a realistic path for him to end up starting some games in Miami in 2025. While Tagovailoa just turned 27 and was a Pro Bowler in 2023, he has suffered multiple serious concussions throughout his five-year NFL career. Concerns for Tagovailoa’s health were so great that there were calls for him to retire last year in order to prevent future concussions, but he opted to continue playing. It wouldn’t be surprising for Tua to miss some games in 2025, and if that happens, Zach Wilson is his likely replacement.
Second, the Dolphins have a solid coaching staff that can continue to develop Zach Wilson as he enters his age-26 season. He’s still young and with the right coaching staff around him can still develop as an NFL quarterback. Head coach Mike McDaniel is regarded as a great offensive mind and one of the league’s best play callers. Even if Zach doesn’t play in 2025, he can leave Miami as a more knowledgeable, prepared quarterback after spending a year in McDaniel’s system.
Lastly, if Zach Wilson does see the field in 2025, the Dolphins offense is loaded with weapons. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is an eight-time Pro Bowler. Fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle has hauled in more than 1,000 receiving yards in three of his first four NFL seasons. Tight end Jonnu Smith made the Pro Bowl last year after racking up 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. Running back De’Von Achane had 78 receptions for 592 yards out of the backfield last season.
If Tua Tagovailoa misses any time in 2025, Wilson is going to be surrounded by outstanding receivers in Miami.
Ideally, Zach Wilson would be a starting NFL quarterback as he heads into his fifth season. While that didn’t happen in the 2025 free agent cycle, he landed in an ideal backup role with the Miami Dolphins.
It won’t be surprising if the BYU legend sees the field in 2025. And should that happen, it won’t be surprising to see him succeed.