The NFL offseason has began and many teams are making moves by coming to terms with free agents who are on the market. The Miami Dolphins are no different and they have been active. Let’s take a look at what they’ve done so far.
Zach Wilson
Per ESPN, the Miami Dolphins have signed Zach Wilson to a one year contract worth $6 million that is fully guaranteed. The deal could become worth as much as $10 million total. I know what some of you are thinking here. What? Zach Wilson? The bust from the Jets? Yes, that Zach Wilson. I get it. He stunk with the Jets. That’s nothing new for the Jets, who continue to churn out 1st round busts at the QB position. Let’s take a brief look at Wilson’s career so far.
In his three seasons with the Jets, Wilson threw more interceptions (23) than Touchdowns (25). He was sacked a whopping 113 times in only 34 games. His lack of leadership and accountability were heavily criticized. However, call me crazy but I like the signing. Zach still has high upside as a young player. The guy has a canon for an arm and he’s very mobile. He’s also still only 25 years old.
Many teams do their young QB a disservice by not providing them with a veteran QB mentor to lean upon. Zach falls into that category. Aaron Rodgers tried, but it’s hard to lead and show a guy how to play when you are on the sideline in a walking boot for most of the season.
Last season Zach sat and watched the whole season in Denver as the third string QB. I am sure that was humbling. Still, being coached by Sean Payton is a good thing for a young QB’s development. Now, he gets to go to another supposed QB guru in Mike McDaniels. He’ll get to watch and learn behind Tua Tagovailoa. It’s not the same as actual game experience, but signing in Miami should aid in Wilson’s continued development.
Let’s face it, this signing can’t be any worst than the Dolphins backup plan the past three years. In 2024 the team went 2-4 without Tua. Neither Huntley nor Skyler Thompson showed they could run Mike McDaniel’s offense with any command or efficiency. During the 2022 season the team went 1-4 without Tua, including a close loss to Buffalo in the wild card playoff round. That’s a combined 3-8 playing with backup quarterbacks.
Again, I like the move. Miami paid a high premium but I think this could be a move that could serve as a nice long term fit.
Other players signed
I’m not going to waste your time talking about players hardly anyone knows. I’ll just let you look at the transactions here:
There’s not a lot of household names there. Hopefully four or five of these guys tear it up and make a huge impact. Heck, I hope all of them perform well. Only time will tell which ones will pan out and which signings are duds.
In other news, one of Miami’s rivals, the New York Jets, signed Justin Fields to a 2 year, $40 million contract. Miami fans should remember Fields very well as he torched the Dolphins on the ground back during the 2022 season. Miami did get the win though. Hopefully, this Zach Wilson signing is another win for the team. Go Fins!