NFL News: Dolphins sign former Aaron Rodgers teammate to back up Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 8-9 campaign that saw them miss the NFL postseason. With their focus already on the upcoming NFL season, the Dolphins have added quarterback Zach Wilson — a former first-round pick and ex-teammate of Aaron Rodgers — on a one-year deal to provide depth behind Tua Tagovailoa.

The Dolphins reportedly signed Wilson to a contract worth $6 million guaranteed, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. Wilson carries a 12-21 record as a starter, having thrown for 6,293 yards, 498 rushing yards, and 23 touchdowns while completing 57% of his passes. However, turnovers have been a concern throughout his career, with Wilson recording 25 interceptions before losing his starting job in 2023.

Selected second overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft, Wilson spent last season as a backup in Denver and did not play a single snap. Despite showcasing a strong arm and notable mobility during his tenure with the Jets, Wilson struggled with decision-making and consistency, ultimately falling short of expectations as a franchise quarterback.

Dolphins’ search for QB depth

The Dolphins have been in need of a reliable backup for Tagovailoa, who missed a total of six games in 2024 due to injuries, including his third diagnosed concussion in two years.

Zach Wilson, quarterback of the Denver Broncos

Miami cycled through three backup quarterbacks last NFL season — Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle, and Tyler Huntley — with limited success. Huntley started five games for the Dolphins, posting a 2-3 record. Wilson is expected to take on a similar backup role but with hopes of providing better stability than his predecessors.

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Why didn’t Wilson see action in 2024?

Wilson’s lack of playing time last season was largely due to Denver’s competitive quarterback situation. The 25-year-old faced a three-way competition for the starting job with rookie Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham during the Broncos’ offseason program and early training camp. Denver head coach Sean Payton eventually narrowed the race to a two-man battle between Nix and Stidham, leaving Wilson without an opportunity to play.

The Dolphins are now betting that Wilson’s experience and skill set can provide insurance for Tagovailoa while giving the former No. 2 overall pick a fresh start in South Beach.