Malik Willis-to-Miami? Dolphins Clear Cap Space, Signal Potential QB Shakeup
There’s a growing sense around the league that Malik Willis might be taking his next snaps in a different uniform-and the Miami Dolphins are starting to look like a real landing spot.
After two intriguing years in Green Bay, where he rebuilt his reputation following a rocky start in Tennessee, Willis has put himself back on the radar as a potential starter. And with free agency around the corner, the Dolphins are suddenly in a position to make a serious push.
Massive Cap Moves Open the Door
Miami made headlines Monday with a series of bold roster cuts that cleared a staggering $66.98 million in cap space. Among the departures: Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, James Daniels, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. That’s not just spring cleaning-that’s a full-on reset.
The result? Over $56 million in cap space for 2026 and the flexibility to chase a quarterback like Willis in free agency. It’s a clear signal from the new regime-GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley-that they’re ready to reshape the roster, starting under center.
The Tua Tagovailoa Question
Of course, before Miami can roll out the welcome mat for Willis, they’ve got to figure out what to do with Tua Tagovailoa. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Dolphins are actively exploring trade options for their current starter. The preference is to move him via trade, but a release isn’t off the table if a deal doesn’t materialize.
Timing is key here. The new leadership doesn’t want this to drag into the summer.
If they do end up cutting Tagovailoa after June 1, they’ll be looking at an $11.1 million cap hit-manageable, but not ideal. Still, that number likely won’t stop them from pursuing a quarterback they believe in.
What’s Malik Willis Worth on the Open Market?
That’s the million-dollar-or multi-million-dollar-question. Spotrac projects Willis’ market value at a hefty two-year, $71 million deal ($35.5M annually), while Over The Cap offers a much more conservative estimate at $2.5 million per year. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.
Willis may not command top-tier QB money, but he’s certainly outperformed that $2.5 million figure. A more realistic comp?
Think Justin Fields’ two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets last offseason. That kind of contract makes sense for a quarterback with upside, athleticism, and a chip on his shoulder.
What This Means for Green Bay
If Willis does end up heading to Miami, the Packers will have some work to do. He may not have been the full-time starter in Green Bay, but his presence gave them flexibility and a potential spark at the position. Replacing that won’t be easy, especially with the quarterback carousel spinning fast this offseason.
But for now, the spotlight shifts to South Beach. The Dolphins have the cap space.
They have a new front office. And they may soon have a new quarterback.
If Malik Willis is their guy, Miami could be entering a new era-one built on mobility, arm strength, and a whole lot of intrigue.