The Miami Dolphins are heading into the 2026 offseason with one of the league’s biggest question marks under center. After benching Tua Tagovailoa during the 2025 season, the franchise is clearly at a crossroads at quarterback-and the winds of change are already blowing through South Florida.
Quinn Ewers is still on the roster, but let’s be honest: the jury’s very much still out. He hasn’t locked down the job, and with a new regime taking over in Miami, it’s hard to imagine the Dolphins not bringing in fresh competition-or perhaps even a new starter altogether.
Enter Malik Willis.
Yes, that Malik Willis-the former third-round pick who looked like a project in Tennessee but has quietly put together a compelling case in Green Bay. And with the Dolphins hiring former Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager and ex-Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as head coach, the connections are suddenly impossible to ignore.
Willis' resurgence in Green Bay didn’t just turn heads-it may have rewritten the narrative around his NFL career. After being traded by the Titans for a seventh-rounder in 2024, Willis stepped into a backup role behind Jordan Love and made the most of his chances.
In 11 appearances, including three starts, Willis completed nearly 79% of his passes for 972 yards and six touchdowns without a single interception. He also added 261 yards and three scores on the ground, showcasing the dual-threat ability that made him such an intriguing prospect coming out of Liberty.
But this goes beyond the stat sheet. Willis passed the eye test.
He looked comfortable, confident, and-perhaps most importantly-like a quarterback who belongs on an NFL field. His arm talent popped.
His decision-making improved. And his ability to extend plays gave Green Bay’s offense a new dimension when he was on the field.
Now, with Hafley and Sullivan leading the charge in Miami, the idea of bringing in a familiar face who already knows the system-and has shown he can thrive in it-makes a lot of sense. Hafley worked with Willis in Green Bay and saw firsthand what he could do when given the right environment. That familiarity could give Willis a leg up in what’s shaping up to be a wide-open quarterback competition.
Of course, signing Willis won’t be as simple as picking up the phone. The Dolphins are projected to be more than $30 million over the salary cap in 2026, so they’ll need to get creative to make a deal work. But if they’re serious about upgrading the position-and all signs point to yes-they’ll find a way.
As for what a Willis contract might look like? Think back to the two-year, $40 million deal Justin Fields got from the Jets last offseason.
That’s probably the floor. Given the buzz around Willis and his recent play, don’t be surprised if he commands more.
He’s no longer just a developmental flyer-he’s a quarterback on the rise, and teams have taken notice.
For the Dolphins, this offseason represents more than just a quarterback search. It’s a chance to hit reset at the most important position in football.
And if Malik Willis is the guy they bet on, it won’t be without reason. He’s shown he can grow, adapt, and lead.
Now, the question is: will Miami give him the keys?