Zach Wilson 'Right Fit and Right Choice' to Back Up Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins GM Says

Zach Wilson is still best known as the quarterback who failed to live up to expectations with the New York Jets as the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft, but the Miami Dolphins believe in his ability to be Tua Tagovailoa's backup.

"I think as we were all going through it and we spent a lot of time on that with Mike [McDaniel] and the offensive coaches and the scouts, and we just felt like Zach had a lot of potential and a lot of talent, and I know you could go the veteran route with someone more proven," Dolphins general manager Chris Grier told reporters Tuesday.

"Zach has won a few games. I know everyone is going to say his record and stuff, but I think for us in dealing with it and getting to know him, talking once he signed and getting to know him and going through it and going back to the relationships people had with him prior to the draft when he came out. We just felt that in talking to him and some veterans that he was the right fit and right choice for us because we do think that his skill set really fits what our offense does."

Wilson is 12-21 as a starter in his career with all of those appearances coming during his first three years with the Jets.

He was a member of the Denver Broncos in 2024 but did not appear in a single game throughout the season.

Ideally for Miami, he won't appear in a game in 2025 either. After all, he will be Tagovailoa's backup and will likely only see significant playing time if the starter suffers an injury.

Yet injuries limited Tagovailoa to 11 games last season. He also has a history of concussions, so it is not a stretch to suggest Wilson might see time during the 2025 campaign.

That wouldn't be ideal, but the Dolphins clearly feel like Wilson can at least keep the offense afloat if needed given Grier's comments.

Playing alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle would make the job of any backup quarterback easier, including Wilson. He would be tasked with getting the ball out quickly and into the hands of the team's playmakers, which might be enough to help Miami tread water until Tagovailoa is ready to return.

It might also be enough for Wilson to resurrect his career if he does get an opportunity.