The Miami Dolphins have signed quarterback Zach Wilson to a one-year contract worth $6 million, with incentives that could increase the total to $10 million. This move positions Wilson as the backup to starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the 2025 NFL season. ]
Career Journey
Zach Wilson was selected second overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft. During his tenure with the Jets, he faced challenges, including injuries and inconsistent performances, leading to a record of 12–21 as a starter. In April 2024, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos, where he spent the season as a third-string quarterback and did not see any game action.
Decision to Join Miami
Upon entering free agency, Wilson sought an environment conducive to growth and development. He expressed confidence in his ability to be a starting quarterback in the NFL and viewed the Dolphins as an ideal setting to refine his skills. Wilson cited the team’s culture and coaching staff as significant factors in his decision, stating, “I just try to put myself in the best situation with the best team and coaches and do the absolute best that I can.”
Role with the Dolphins
In Miami, Wilson will serve as the primary backup to Tua Tagovailoa. Given Tagovailoa’s injury history, Wilson’s presence provides the Dolphins with a reliable alternative at quarterback. He has expressed enthusiasm about learning from the coaching staff and contributing to the team’s success. Wilson emphasized his commitment to team dynamics, noting the importance of building strong relationships with teammates. citeturn0search0
Personal Life
Off the field, Wilson’s engagement to Nicolette Dellanno has garnered attention. Dellanno has been supportive of Wilson’s career moves, expressing excitement about his new opportunity in Miami. citeturn0news41
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, Wilson remains determined to revitalize his career and demonstrate his capabilities as a starting quarterback. His tenure with the Dolphins represents a pivotal opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially reestablish himself as a leading figure in the league.
Zach Wilson’s mom sends four-word message as $6m quarterback officially signs with new team
He took the role of the team’s third string quarterback, behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham, having been traded by the New York Jets in April last year.
Now, he is looking to follow a path similar to Geno Smith and Sam Darnold, who both revamped their NFL careers after leaving Gang Green.
And it seems no one is more excited about Wilson’s move to Miami than his own mother.
On Tuesday, the Dolphins confirmed Wilson’s arrival by sharing a picture of the QB signing his contract with the caption: “Done deal.”
Zach’s mother, Lisa Wilson, then re-posted the photo on her Instagram story.
“Love this and him,” she wrote, adding an aqua heart emoji.
It’s been reported that Wilson, 25, has signed a one-year, $6million, fully guaranteed deal with Miami that could grow to $10m.
Despite not playing a snap in the 2024 regular season, the fourth-year QB was still praised by Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
His pregame workouts with quarterback coach Davis Webb, when he flashed the arm strength that made him a first-round draft pick, also caught the attention of scouts from other teams late in the season.
Payton consistently lauded his work with the hope that ‘you put a guy in position to make a lot of money’ and he also aided Nix’s development as a rookie.
The new starter called Wilson a reliable voice and sounding board given his 33 NFL starts, including 13 as a rookie with the Jets.
However, Wilson did struggle with the Jets prior to his stop in Denver, and left with a 12-21 record as a starter.
He also had more interceptions (25) than touchdown passes (23) and completed only 57 percent of his passes in New York.
Speaking of his time at Metlife Stadium after signing with the Dolphins, Wilson said: “It was challenging.”
“There’s things, looking back, I wish I could’ve done so much better, maybe would’ve approached differently, but I think, at the end of the day, it’s all part of the story.
“Learning from those experiences and those hard times ultimately is what got me here and hopefully being able to take advantage of the opportunity here.”
Wilson now moves to South Beach to back up Tua Tagovailoa in an offense that boasts receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
“I think it’s going to be a great fit with what I’m looking for, the type of offense, the amount of information I’ll be able to learn from these guys,” the new arrival added.
“I think it couldn’t have been a better match.”
If Tagovailoa, who missed six games in 2024, stays healthy, then Wilson will not expect to see the field much next season.
But if injury strikes the starting QB again, he has a chance to bounce back from a tough few years and prove why he was rated so high coming into the league.
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