Zach Wilson, who was a failure with Jets, aspires to develop under Mike McDaniel in Miami Dolphins

Zach Wilson was drafted second overall by the New York Jets in 2021 from the Brigham Young University Cougars.

Zach Wilson, who was a failure with Jets, aspires to develop under Mike McDaniel in Miami Dolphins

Zach Wilson, Mike McDaniel (Image via Hello!/Instagram)

In 2023 and 2024, CJ Stroud and Jayden Daniels rose through the ranks with sensational rookie seasons for the Houston Texans and the Washington Commanders. The same can’t be said for the 2021 second overall pick Zach Wilson.

Zach Wilson, being the second overall pick, had huge responsibilities on his back – especially since he represented a team with a decade-long playoff drought. The young quarterback failed to rise to the occasion as he crumbled under the pressure. As much as it was his fault, the New York Jets didn’t provide him a platform to perform. That same argument gained much more popularity after a four-time NFL MVP also showcased similar numbers in his sole season as a starter.

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In the 2025 offseason, Zach Wilson joined the Miami Dolphins under Mike McDaniel, where he will become Tua Tagovailoa’s backup. As injury concerns burden Tagovailoa increasingly, Zach Wilson might get an opportunity to shine and put his name in the spotlight.

In a recent admission, Zach Wilson praised Mike McDaniel and expressed hope for the upcoming season.

I think just extremely raw, his ability to just be completely himself every single day is I think what you want in a coach. Somebody that is going to give you exactly the same guy every single day and obviously he’s a phenomenal coach and shows how much he cares and invests in you, and so those are some of the qualities I’m just the most excited for.

Zach Wilson said

Zach Wilson would hope that the next season finally yields him the quarterback development he needs to become a starter in the future.

In his initial three NFL seasons with the Jets yielded a 12-21 record in 33 starts. The 2021 second overall pick amassed 6,293 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions, with a 57% completion rate. He also added 498 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Subsequently, he was traded to the Broncos, where he did not play.

The Miami Dolphins’ backup quarterback is one of the scrutinized backup options

In the last year, the Miami Dolphins had the maximum requirement for the backup options. In the absence of Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins called up Skylar Thompson. However, with Thompson also falling prey to injuries, their option turned to a mid-season hire, Tyler Huntley. They also had to use Tim Boyle to relieve some pressure.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Image via SI)

However, Huntley wasn’t the perfect fit for the Dolphins. He started five games, in which they lost three. Even with Tagovailoa returning, there were several concerns regarding the Dolphins’ backup arsenal. In a case where a backup needed to step up, the Dolphins didn’t have a trustworthy person to go to.

The backup quarterback role is one of the most scrutinised and pressurised ones in the NFL right now. Zach Wilson, who believes that he can become a starter one day with the Dolphins, also spoke briefly about the pressures of playing in Miami. He humbly shrugged off any pressure of any sort, claiming that his experience would help him navigate the same.

I don’t know if it’s pressure, I mean luckily I’ve played in a lot of games in the NFL so far, and so it’s just the ability to step in and make the offense feel like nothing’s changed from a leadership standpoint.

Zach Wilson said

Zach Wilson has shown brilliance in practice and during the offseason during his Denver Broncos days. Although they don’t necessarily mean he will shine in a similar light, the flashes could be something for the Dolphins’ fans to cling to.