Dolphins Face Uphill Battle Supporting New QB Malik Willis

Tua Tagovailoa's $99.2 million dead cap hit hampers Miami's ability to build around their new starter.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:40am

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The Miami Dolphins have signed quarterback Malik Willis to a $67.5 million contract, but supporting their new starter will be a challenge due to the $99.2 million dead cap hit from releasing Tua Tagovailoa. With limited cap space, the Dolphins must get creative to surround Willis with the necessary offensive talent at wide receiver and tight end to help him succeed in his first season as the full-time starter.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' decision to move on from Tua Tagovailoa and sign Malik Willis as their new quarterback comes with significant financial constraints that could hinder their ability to properly support the young signal-caller. This raises questions about Willis' chances of success in Miami and the long-term direction of the franchise.

The details

The Dolphins will have $54 million in dead cap from Tagovailoa's release hitting their books in 2026, severely limiting their financial flexibility to build a strong supporting cast around Willis. While Jaylen Waddle and De'Von Achane provide a solid foundation, the rest of the Dolphins' skill position players are unproven, leaving Willis with limited options in the passing game.

  • The Dolphins signed Malik Willis to a 3-year, $67.5 million contract on March 15, 2026.
  • Tua Tagovailoa's $99.2 million in dead cap will impact the Dolphins' roster construction in 2026.

The players

Malik Willis

The Dolphins' new starting quarterback, signed to a 3-year, $67.5 million contract.

Tua Tagovailoa

The former Dolphins quarterback whose $99.2 million in dead cap is hampering the team's ability to build around Willis.

Jaylen Waddle

One of the Dolphins' top wide receivers, who will be instrumental in supporting the team's new quarterback.

De'Von Achane

The Dolphins' talented young running back, who will also play a key role in aiding Willis' transition to the starting role.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The Dolphins' general manager, who must find creative ways to build a supporting cast around Willis despite the team's financial constraints.

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What they’re saying

“Willis, the expected starter for the first time in his career, needs help, and the Dolphins are anything but a turnkey situation. They're swimming in dead money due to the release of Tua Tagovailoa and are paring payroll just to be cap compliant, which is an extremely dangerous situation for any QB, let alone one with only six career starts.”

— Jeff Howe, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to be strategic in free agency and the upcoming draft to find cost-effective options to bolster their receiving corps and provide Willis with the necessary supporting cast to succeed in his first season as the team's starting quarterback.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' decision to move on from Tua Tagovailoa and sign Malik Willis as their new quarterback comes with significant financial constraints that could hinder their ability to properly support the young signal-caller. This raises questions about Willis' chances of success in Miami and the long-term direction of the franchise, as the team must get creative to build a competitive roster around their new quarterback.