Zach Wilson is one of the more notable draft busts in recent memory. Selected second overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft, Wilson is preparing for 2025 with his third team. He signed with the Miami Dolphins after spending the 2024 season as a backup with the Denver Broncos.
The former No. 2 pick is still just 25 and knows his role behind Tua Tagovailoa, but in a recent Associated Press interview, he said he’s determined to earn another starting job.
Wilson Determined to Be an NFL Starter Once Again
The Jets drafted Wilson following a standout career at BYU, where he built a reputation for a strong arm and ability to improvise. Trevor Lawrence was selected first that year and has had a steadier, though not overly flashy, NFL career.
Wilson started 13 games as a rookie, missing four with a knee sprain. He went 3-10, throwing for 2,334 yards, nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He completed just 55.6% of his passes and entered Year 2 already under pressure.
He missed the first three games of 2022 with another knee injury, then won his first four starts. But he threw only one touchdown in that stretch and was later benched after a poor Week 11 showing against the Patriots. He made two more starts—both losses—and finished with a 5-4 record in 2022.
The Jets effectively moved on from Wilson after acquiring Aaron Rodgers in 2023, but a torn Achilles in the season opener forced Wilson back into the starting role. He lasted until Week 11 before being demoted again, finishing with a 4-7 record while throwing for 2,271 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Following his rocky three seasons in New York, the Jets traded him to Denver for a late-round pick swap. In 2024, Wilson served as the backup to rookie Bo Nix. This offseason, he signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Dolphins and is looking for another shot.
In an interview with Alanis Thames of the Associated Press, Wilson made it clear he still views himself as a future starter.
“I still believe I can be a starter in this league whenever that opportunity comes,” Wilson said. “And so I just try to put myself in the best situation with the best team and coaches and do the absolute best that I can.”
That chance may come sooner than expected given Tagovailoa’s injury history. Miami is a strong landing spot for Wilson, as they (currently) boast reliable weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle who may help Wilson find his footing should he end up starting. The Dolphins ranked No. 15 in PFSN’s Offense+ metric in 2024, even with Tagovailoa limited to 11 games.
Tagovailoa finished eighth in PFSN’s QB+ rankings even with the missed games, and head coach Mike McDaniel has proven he can maximize quarterback play.
If Wilson gets a shot in Miami, he could follow a Sam Darnold-type path and find new life in the right situation.