Dolphins Raise Eyebrows with Malik Willis Signing

Concerns mount over quarterback's inconsistent accuracy and decision-making

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have made a surprising move in free agency by signing quarterback Malik Willis, but the decision is already raising serious questions around the NFL. While Willis has potential, his struggles with passing accuracy, reading defenses, and making quick decisions under pressure during his time with the Tennessee Titans have many experts concerned that the signing could be a big risk, especially for a team like the Dolphins that is in the midst of a rebuild.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are trying to rebuild their team and culture under a new head coach, and the decision to sign Willis as their potential starting quarterback is a bold one. If Willis is unable to address the issues that plagued him in Tennessee, it could set the Dolphins' rebuild back significantly.

The details

Willis comes with passing accuracy concerns, as he sometimes struggled with reading defensive coverages, moving through multiple progressions, and making quick decisions under pressure during his time with the Titans. These traits are critical for quarterbacks in today's NFL, where timing-based offenses dominate. Furthermore, the Dolphins' offense does not have the same level of talent as the Packers' offense, where Willis filled in for Jordan Love, making the transition to being a starting QB in Miami even more challenging.

  • In 2022, Willis was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round.
  • During his time with the Titans, Willis faced issues with passing accuracy, reading defenses, and decision-making under pressure.
  • On March 10, 2026, the Miami Dolphins signed Willis in free agency.

The players

Malik Willis

A quarterback who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 and has struggled with passing accuracy and decision-making at the NFL level.

Tua Tagovailoa

The former starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, who was recently released by the team.

Jordan Love

The quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, for whom Willis filled in during his time with the Titans.

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What they’re saying

“Signing Willis comes with upside, but there are several reasons why it can be considered a big risk, especially for a team like the Miami Dolphins, who just released Tua Tagovailoa and is trying to rebuild a new culture under a new head coach.”

— Lou Landers, Author (yahoo.com)

“In Green Bay, when Willis did fill in for Jordan Love, there weren't high expectations. His job was to manage the offense, an offense that had a lot more talent than the offense he will be asked to run in Miami.”

— Lou Landers, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to closely monitor Willis' progress during the offseason and preseason to determine if he is ready to be their starting quarterback. The team's success in the 2026 season will largely depend on Willis' ability to address the issues that plagued him in Tennessee.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' decision to sign Malik Willis is a high-risk, high-reward move that could either pay off or set the team's rebuild back significantly. If Willis is unable to improve his passing accuracy and decision-making, the Dolphins may find themselves in a difficult position as they try to build a winning culture under a new head coach.