MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins are set to sign Zach Wilson, a former first-round pick by the Jets, to a one-year contract as a backup for Tua Tagovailoa, according to a source familiar with the agreement who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday.
The source requested anonymity since free agents can’t officially join teams until Wednesday. Another individual, also speaking anonymously, revealed that Wilson’s contract includes $6 million guaranteed. Wilson, selected second overall by New York in 2021, served as a backup in Denver last season without getting any playing time. During his three-year stint with the Jets, he started for the majority but didn’t meet the high expectations typically associated with a top draft pick.
His time with the Jets was marked by impressive arm strength and agility but was hindered by poor decision-making. Wilson compiled a 12-21 record as a starter, with 6,293 passing yards, 498 rushing yards, a 57 percent completion rate, and 23 touchdowns, alongside 25 interceptions before being benched in 2023.
The Dolphins sought a reliable quarterback behind Tagovailoa, who was sidelined for a career-high six games in 2024 due to injuries and sustained his third concussion in two years. In 2024, Miami employed three backup quarterbacks—Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle, and Tyler Huntley—with limited success. Huntley started five games, achieving a 2-3 record.
At the season’s conclusion, General Manager Chris Grier expressed the team’s intention to address the backup quarterback role. Earlier on Monday, the Dolphins also announced the re-signing of defensive tackle Matt Dickerson, who participated in four games in 2024.
