The Miami Dolphins are in full transition mode, and the new regime-led by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley-is already putting its stamp on the franchise. One name that’s quietly gaining traction in league circles? Malik Willis.
Yes, that Malik Willis-the 26-year-old quarterback who spent the past two seasons in Green Bay and now finds himself a free agent. And here’s where things get interesting: Sullivan, Hafley, defensive coordinator Sean Duggan, and defensive backs coach Ryan Downard all know Willis well from their time with the Packers. That familiarity could matter more than people think as Miami navigates its rebuild.
The Dolphins’ Rebuild Starts in the Trenches… But QB Talk Won’t Go Away
Let’s be clear: Miami’s top priority is rebuilding the offensive and defensive lines. The Dolphins were labeled “soft” in the trenches last season, and Sullivan has made it clear that this team needs to get bigger, stronger, and nastier up front. Expect a heavy dose of linemen in free agency and the draft-guys who bring power, physicality, and a mean streak.
But while the focus is on the big men, quarterback remains the elephant in the room. With signs pointing toward a split from Tua Tagovailoa, there’s a potential opening at the most important position in football. And Willis, thanks to his ties with the new coaching staff, is a name worth watching.
Malik Willis: A Familiar Face With Untapped Potential
Willis hasn’t had the smoothest NFL journey. After being drafted with first-round expectations, he’s only managed six starts in four seasons between Tennessee and Green Bay.
But the tools? They’re still there.
He’s got the arm strength, the mobility, and the upside that made scouts drool coming out of college.
What separates Willis in this scenario is the trust factor. Sullivan and Hafley know exactly what they’d be getting.
They’ve seen him in practice, in meetings, in the locker room. They know the upside-and the flaws.
That kind of insight is rare in free agency, and it gives Miami a unique advantage if they decide he’s worth the gamble.
And make no mistake: this would be a gamble.
The Cap Crunch Is Real, But Creativity Can Help
Miami’s 2026 salary cap situation is, to put it mildly, a mess. Between potential dead money hits from players like Tua and Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins are going to have to get creative if they want to bring in a quarterback like Willis.
That’s where contract structure comes into play. A short-term, backloaded deal with void years could make sense.
Something in the range of 2 years, $36 million-or even 3 years, $53 million with cap-friendly structuring-might be manageable. It’s not cheap, but it’s not the kind of number that would cripple a rebuild either.
What wouldn’t make sense? A blockbuster-type deal.
Spotrac’s projection of 2 years, $71 million for Willis feels steep for a quarterback with just six career touchdown passes. That’s starter money for a guy who hasn’t had a full season to prove he can be one.
Is Willis the Right Fit for This Phase of the Rebuild?
That’s the big question. The Dolphins appear to be leaning toward a longer-term rebuild-one where second-year quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller could get a shot, supplemented by a mid-to-late-round rookie or a veteran on a team-friendly deal. That approach would give the front office time to build out the roster, particularly in the trenches, before making a major investment at quarterback.
Still, Willis is a wild card. He’s not just another free agent-he’s someone this staff knows, trusts, and might believe in.
If the price is right and the timing aligns, he could be a bridge option with upside. Or maybe more.
Bottom Line
The Dolphins are laying the foundation for a new era-one built on toughness, discipline, and long-term planning. But quarterback decisions always loom large, and Malik Willis presents a rare case where familiarity and potential intersect.
He’s not the most likely option. But he’s not off the board either.
In a rebuild full of questions, Willis is one more to keep an eye on.