Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history puts the Miami Dolphins at a perpetual risk of falling apart at any time. While investment in the offensive line should add some insurance to his health, a backup quarterback was a necessity in Miami.
To begin free agency, the Dolphins found their man. However, their choice might leave a lot to be desired with the fanbase, despite a former second-overall pick making his way to the East Coast.
Miami Dolphins Sign Tua Tagovailoa Insurance Policy
Since being drafted in 2021 with the second overall pick by the New York Jets, Zach Wilson has been near about, if not the worst, quarterback in the entire league. In his three years with the Jets, Wilson completed just 60% of his passes on average.
However, he was never able to put up numbers or pass the eye test for a starting-caliber QB in the league. Instead, he tallied a maximum of 2,334 yards and nine touchdowns. By comparison, he had 25 interceptions in those years.
Still, after the turnaround from Sam Darnold in Minnesota, it is impossible to count out any former Jet. And that is what the Dolphins will be hoping for after signing Wilson to a one-year deal.
Adam Schefter broke the news on X, writing, “Sources: former Broncos QB Zach Wilson reached agreement on a one-year, $6 million, fully-guaranteed deal that could grow to $10 million with the Miami Dolphins.”
Darnold was in the same boat as Wilson, but a year with Kevin O’Connell and elite wide receivers to throw to made him a fringe MVP candidate and landed him a $100+ million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Former Kansas City Chief and 14-year NFL veteran Chase Daniel was fully onboard with the move. He took to X to write, “This move makes a lot of sense…especially since Tua has been hurt lately. Good chance we get to see Zach Wilson in Mike McDaniel’s offense.”
It remains to be seen if Wilson can replicate the success Darnold enjoyed with the Vikings. But for now, the sole purpose for the Dolphins in signing him has to be as an insurance policy for Tagovailoa.
Last year, despite injuries keeping him out for a big chunk of the season, he still finished eighth on PFSN’s QB+ metric. So, he can handle the Miami offense pretty well. But with a history of concussions and four of his five seasons ending in 13 or fewer played games, the Dolphins have to make a tough decision at some point.
Wilson certainly isn’t the answer to their dilemma, but he could potentially stabilize the offense if the Hawaiian misses extended time in 2025 as well.