You Won’t Believe Why the Dolphins Targeted Zach Wilson

Miami Dolphins fans were buzzing when the team signed former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson to a one-year deal this offseason. That move didn’t sit well with everyone, but head coach Mike McDaniel said Wilson wasn’t just a random choice. He was a direct result of the Dolphins’ careful analysis of what they needed.

Miami’s coaches spent a lot of time figuring out how Wilson would fit into their system. Here’s why they think he could be the right backup for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa—and how he fits into their plans moving forward.

A Strategic Decision Rooted in Research

That analysis started at the NFL league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida. McDaniel explained the Dolphins‘ thought process behind signing Wilson.

“It’s not an exact science,” he said. “But we thought he was the best fit for us. And I think that’s what we’re all looking for: the best fit.” (That drew a laugh from the audience.) “He was a target we identified as someone who could help us improve.”

McDaniel said the Dolphins saw an opportunity to get better by bringing Wilson aboard—and they’re excited to see him take advantage of that opportunity.

For a team looking to make a playoff push, adding a player like Wilson—someone who has shown flashes of brilliance despite inconsistency—gives you both a low-risk way to get a little better and a strategic investment in depth at quarterback.

Wilson’s Journey: From High Expectations to Resilience

Wilson, 25, entered the NFL as the second overall pick in the 2021 draft. The New York Jets selected him. That tenure in New York was a real rollercoaster. Three seasons as the starting quarterback there ended with him being traded to the Denver Broncos before the 2024 season. Wilson didn’t quite win over the starting job there—Bo Nix, a rookie, took that from him.

Despite not playing a snap last season, McDaniel praised Wilson’s resilience—and his ability to handle adversity. “Everybody’s got their own story,” McDaniel said. “I watched every one of his college snaps. Wilson was a phenomenal talent. He just didn’t have the experience in an NFL pocket yet.”

McDaniel pointed out the challenges Wilson faced when he transitioned from BYU’s spread offense to the NFL’s more structured systems. “He was launching it from about 10 and 11 yards deep in college,” McDaniel noted. “You don’t get that kind of experience in a ‘phone booth’ situation. So I think it was only natural that there would be some growth to his game—and some nuanced learning to do. Excelling in that new form of football that quickly? That’s a tough ask, especially so early on.”

Why Wilson Fits the Dolphins’ Culture?

McDaniel also mentioned that Wilson’s experiences—not just his physical tools—make him an interesting guy for Miami.

“That’s big to me because there’s very few people that know what it’s like to be drafted in New York City,” McDaniel said. “And then to see his resolve, to see where he’s processed the whole situation—it’s like anything for all of us; if you have adversity in your life, that can be a source of strength and growth or it can be a source of all right, that’s what defines you and you can’t get over that.”

What stood out to McDaniel was Wilson’s ability to get past his rookie contract struggles and look to the future.

“What I see in Zach is the experience of being the second pick in the draft, being the starter Week 1 and then not fulfilling the rookie contract; that’s behind him,” McDaniel said. “So to me that’s exciting because you can’t put a measurement on that human ability that’s huge at the quarterback position.”

Tagovailoa’s Success Sets the Tone

While Wilson is a backup, McDaniel said the team’s culture and system has already worked for Tua Tagovailoa.

“Not comparing the players at all — on the record, not comparing the players — Tua found this environment helped him through that process,” McDaniel said.

As coaches we want to give our quarterbacks everything they need to be great, whether it’s Tua or Wilson.