Why Zach Wilson Was Miami’s Calculated Move for QB2

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins have turned heads with their latest offseason move: signing former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson as their primary backup quarterback. After struggling to find consistency behind Tua Tagovailoa in recent years, the Dolphins are betting on Wilson’s untapped potential to stabilize their offense if needed.

The Backup QB Dilemma in Miami

Over the past three seasons, the Dolphins' backup QB role has been under intense scrutiny. When Tagovailoa missed games due to injuries—11 combined in 2022 and 2024—the offense plummeted in production. The drop-off was stark, with Miami ranking near the bottom of the league in key metrics like Expected Points Added (EPA) and quarterback rating during his absences.

In 2024, Miami’s offense ranked 31st in EPA, last in QB rating, and 29th in yards per game during Tagovailoa’s five-game absence. His return saw an immediate turnaround, with the team jumping to 7th in EPA and 9th in scoring during his healthiest stretch. The need for a reliable backup became undeniable.

Why Zach Wilson?

Wilson’s NFL career has been rocky. Drafted second overall by the New York Jets in 2021, he struggled with inconsistency, throwing 23 touchdowns against 25 interceptions in 34 games. After a trade to Denver and a season backing up Bo Nix, Wilson now gets another chance in Miami.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized Wilson’s raw talent, dating back to his time at BYU:

“I watched every snap of his collegiate play, and he was a phenomenal talent that, in my opinion, didn’t have reps in an NFL pocket yet... There was going to be some nuanced growth to his game.”

GM Chris Grier admitted Miami had explored other backup options but faced financial and compensatory pick constraints. Now, with Wilson on a one-year deal, the Dolphins are banking on his athleticism and learning curve.

Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Offseason

The Dolphins hold 10 draft picks and remain open to selecting another QB if the right opportunity arises. Meanwhile, Wilson’s immediate task is to outplay any competition—potentially including a rookie—for the QB2 spot.

Wilson, for his part, is embracing the challenge:

“What's not to like? Extremely explosive offense... I’m just excited to be with those guys.”

McDaniel sees Wilson’s past struggles as an advantage, echoing his mantra: “Adversity is opportunity.” Whether this gamble pays off could shape Miami’s 2025 campaign.