Former Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson appeared to be in line to take over as the Miami Dolphins’ starter.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel made it clear the team was considering benching QB1 Tua Tagovailoa, who was the No. 5 overall pick of the 2020 draft and a Pro Bowler in 2023, following his performance in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, situations in the NFL change quickly.
Former Broncos QB Zach Wilson Gets Bad News
GettyZach Wilson #0 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts.
Wilson was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 draft by the New York Jets. The Broncos acquired Wilson in a trade with the Jets in 2024, and he spent the season as the team’s third-string quarterback.
He left the Broncos in free agency, joining the Dolphins in hopes of a better opportunity to play.
While Wilson has stepped in for relief duty multiple times this season, though, he will not be the Dolphins’ QB with Tagovailoa officially benched on Wednesday.
“A major move in Miami: the Dolphins are benching QB Tua Tagovailoa and turning to Quinn Ewers as their new starting QB, per sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on December 17. “Ewers’ first start comes Sunday vs. the Bengals.”
Wilson, 26, has completed five of eight passes for 32 yards in three games this season.
He is on a one-year, $6 million contract with the Dolphins. He has $39.9 million in career earnings, posting a 6,325-23-25 line on 57.1% completion, and he has a 12-21 record.
Wilson will be a free agent after the season, and his decision to leave the Broncos amid their interest in his return stands out even more now. And with the Dolphins turning to Ewers, the No. 231 overall pick of the 2025 draft, he will likely be seeking his fourth team in three seasons.
There was support for Wilson to take over.
Underdog’s Brett Kollmann posted on X, “At this point you might as well see what Zach Wilson has got” after news broke that the Dolphins were considering making a change.
Unfortunately for Wilson, who never really had an opportunity to win the Broncos’ starting job, a similar pattern has emerged in Miami. Wilson’s talent is undeniable, which is why the Broncos wanted him. His future, however, remains uncertain.
Sam Ehlinger Chose Broncos Over Colts
GettySam Ehlinger #4 of the Denver Broncos on the field after facing the Arizona Cardinals.
Wilson’s decision stands out for the Broncos’ current QB3, Sam Ehlinger. Ehlinger spurned overtures from the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts drafted him 218th overall in the same class as Wilson, to replace injured starter Daniel Jones.
Instead, he chose to stick around a tight-knit QB room that features Bo Nix and has Jarrett Stidham on the team with the best record in the NFL through 15 weeks.
Ehlinger’s decision is rare, and it drew high praise from Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
“We’re glad he’s here,” Payton told reporters on December 12. “We’re glad he’s staying. We think a lot of him. A lot. He’s been a real good surprise for all of us, especially offensively, when we see and watch him. And he made that decision, and that’s a big deal.”
Ehlinger cited the Broncos’ upward swing. He also said that he wanted to be part of what has been building since before his arrival.
$39 Million Former Broncos QB Gets ‘Major’ Update After Career Decision