The Miami Dolphins made one of the more intriguing moves of the early 2026 NFL free agency period, agreeing to terms with quarterback Malik Willis on a 3-year $67.5 million deal with $45 million fully guaranteed. This is a move that signals both risk and opportunity as the franchise reshapes its future under center.
Willis, 26, arrives in Miami after quietly rebuilding his career in Green Bay following a difficult start with the Tennessee Titans, who originally selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Titans traded Willis to the Packers shortly before the 2024 season in exchange for a seventh-round pick, a move that ultimately gave the athletic quarterback a fresh start.
While he never fully displaced starter Jordan Love in Green Bay, Willis made the most of his opportunities. Over two seasons with the Packers, he appeared in 11 games with three starts, posting a 2–1 record while completing an impressive 78.7% of his passes for 972 yards and six touchdowns without throwing an interception.
His first real impact came shortly after arriving in Green Bay during the 2024 season. Willis started in Weeks 3 and 4 and led the Packers to wins in both games, showing poise and mobility despite having only recently joined the team. Later that season, he stepped in for an injured Love during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, throwing a touchdown pass and engineering a game-winning drive in the second half.
The momentum carried into last season, when Willis appeared in four games with one start. In limited action, he was highly efficient, completing 30 of 35 passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He also showcased his dual-threat ability, adding 123 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Those flashes of production convinced Miami to take a chance on a quarterback whose athleticism and upside were once considered among the most intriguing in his draft class.
The Dolphins’ decision comes during a dramatic reset for the franchise at the position, and Willis now enters a situation where he could have a legitimate opportunity to compete for the starting role. Miami’s coaching staff is believed to value his mobility, arm strength, and improved decision-making, traits that could fit well within a modern, movement-based offensive scheme.
Still, the move carries obvious risk. Willis has only three career starts and limited NFL experience, meaning Miami is betting that his development in Green Bay was the foundation for a true breakout rather than a brief flash.
If the gamble pays off, the Dolphins could end up with one of the more surprising quarterback success stories of the 2026 free agency cycle. If it doesn’t, Miami may find itself once again searching for answers at the game’s most important position.
