Dolphins' latest free agent deal proves they still don't get it about one of the franchise's biggest issues
Well, at least the Miami Dolphins finally did something in free agency after a day of basically nothing on Monday. That's about where the compliments end. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins have reached an agreement with free agent quarterback Zach Wilson on Monday, the first day of the legal tampering period in NFL free […]
Well, at least the Miami Dolphins finally did something in free agency after a day of basically nothing on Monday. That's about where the compliments end.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins have reached an agreement with free agent quarterback Zach Wilson on Monday, the first day of the legal tampering period in NFL free agency.
Wilson was the #2 overall pick back in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. It didn't go well for Wilson in the Big Apple, to put it mildly. Wilson started 33 games from 2021-23 for the Jets. He completed just 57% of his passes for 6293 yards and 23 touchdowns to 25 interceptions. He spent last year as a backup QB for the Denver Broncos, but he didn't log any playing time.
There's been nothing in his early career that suggests that he can be a fringe starter for stretches, and with the Dolphins, that's exactly what they need. Tua Tagovailoa has struggled more than most quarterbacks to stay healthy, appearing in all regular season games just one time in his five-year career with Miami (2023). Tua missed 4 games in both 2021 and 2022 and 6 games last year.
What Miami needed to find this offseason was a 1B option to Tua being a 1A. Someone who has been capable as a starter and can give at least league-average play for stretches in his absence. Naturally, quarterbacks with starting potential aren't cheap, but Tua's history speaks for itself – as do the results when Miami hasn't had an adequate backup quarterback. Miami had to invest in someone who has proven they can produce to some degree.
There were options out there. Jameis Winston and Gardner Minshew were among them. Instead, Miami went a head-scratching route with the former AFC East rival starter.
Obviously, the hope for the team is for Tua and the offense to return back to their healthy and productive form from 2023. But if they don't, then things might not be all that much better without Tua under center than they were in 2024.
Miami Dolphins 2025 Free Agency Tracker: Signings, additions, releases, and everything else to know
A hub for all of the Dolphins’ moves as free agency gets underway
