Dolphins Bet Big on Malik Willis's Potential with $67.5M Contract

Miami hopes Willis can ignite their offense after a disappointing 2025 season.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have signed quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract, signaling their belief that he can be the long-term solution at the position. Willis showed promise in limited action with the Green Bay Packers in 2025, displaying improved passing skills and his trademark athleticism. The Dolphins are banking on Willis thriving in their system, which emphasizes play-action, run-pass options, and quarterback mobility - all strengths of the young QB.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are making a bold move at quarterback after a frustrating 2025 season in which their offense struggled. They're hoping Willis can provide a spark and help the team break through the ceiling they've hit in recent years. The signing represents a shift in the team's offensive philosophy, as they look to build around a more dynamic and versatile quarterback.

The details

The Dolphins decided to move on from Tua Tagovailoa despite a $99 million dead-cap hit, believing Willis represents a better long-term option. In 2025, Willis thrived in a limited role with the Packers, finishing with a 145.5 passer rating while showcasing his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. The Dolphins are banking on Willis' athleticism and improved passing skills to energize their offense, which became too predictable last season.

  • In 2025, Willis appeared in four games for the Packers, putting up impressive numbers.
  • The Dolphins finished the 2025 season in a state of uncertainty at the quarterback position.

The players

Malik Willis

A quarterback who showed promise in a limited role with the Green Bay Packers in 2025, displaying improved passing skills and his trademark athleticism.

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins' previous starting quarterback, who struggled in 2025, leading the team to move on from him despite a $99 million dead-cap hit.

Jeff Hafley

The Dolphins' head coach, who is familiar with Willis' strengths and weaknesses from their time together in Green Bay.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The Dolphins' general manager, who also closely monitored Willis' development in Green Bay.

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What’s next

The Dolphins will look to integrate Willis into their offense and see if he can provide the spark they've been missing. The team's success in 2026 will largely depend on how well Willis adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can continue the upward trajectory he showed in limited action with the Packers.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' bold move to sign Malik Willis to a lucrative contract represents a shift in the team's offensive philosophy, as they look to build around a more dynamic and versatile quarterback. If Willis can build on his promising 2025 performance, the Dolphins may have found the long-term solution they've been searching for at the position.