Geno Smith and Sam Darnold revamped their post-New York Jets careers. Zach Wilson is looking to follow that path.
After signing with the Miami Dolphins, the former No. 2 overall pick opened up about his time with Gang Green. Wilson told the Dolphins' Drive Time Podcast this week that he's hoping to rewrite his career story.
"It was challenging," Wilson said of his time in New York, via the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "There's things, looking back, I wish I could've done so much better, maybe would've approached differently, but I think, at the end of the day, it's all part of the story. Learning from those experiences and those hard times ultimately is what got me here and hopefully being able to take advantage of the opportunity here."
Wilson struggled through three seasons in the crucible of New York. He went 3-10 as a rookie starter, looking like a lost puppy at times. Things got no easier as he was yanked in and out of the lineup over the next two seasons. After Aaron Rodgers' Achilles tear in 2023, Wilson took over. He was eventually benched, returned to the lineup and then sat again, all of which played out in the public eye.
After bottoming out in New York, Wilson spent 2024 under Sean Payton in Denver, recalibrating and relearning the position. The Broncos spoke positively of Wilson during his run as a backup to Bo Nix, but there was never a path to playtime.
Wilson now moves to South Beach to back up Tua Tagovailoa in Mike McDaniel's offense with receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
"I think it's going to be a great fit with what I'm looking for, the type of offense, the amount of information I'll be able to learn from these guys," Wilson said. "I think it couldn't have been a better match."
Added Wilson: "Extremely explosive. There's obviously a lot of speed on the field. It's been one of those teams that, when I try to watch film of the offense, you can't really replicate anything they're doing because they're extremely explosive with what they have. Coach does a great job of altering things to his players and what their best strong suits are."
If Tagovailoa stays healthy, Wilson will not see the field much after preseason action. If, however, injury strikes again, the next chapter of Wilson's career could be written. If it follows the formats of other recent Jets QB biographies, it could be a positive twist.
