Analyst Warns of Bleak Outlook for Dolphins' Malik Willis

CBS Sports' Garrett Podell highlights the lack of offensive weapons surrounding the new Miami QB.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:04pm

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New Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is facing a tough situation, according to a recent analysis by CBS Sports' Garrett Podell. Podell noted that if the season started today, the Dolphins' top three wide receivers would be Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, and Malik Washington - a less-than-ideal supporting cast for the young QB. With limited offensive weapons and question marks surrounding the skill position players, Podell believes Willis will have a difficult time finding success in his first season as the Dolphins' starter.

Why it matters

The Dolphins made a big investment in Willis by bringing him in as their new starting quarterback, but the lack of proven offensive talent around him could make it challenging for him to thrive. This raises questions about the team's long-term plans and whether they have done enough to properly support their young QB.

The details

According to Podell's analysis, the Dolphins' current receiving corps of Tolbert, Atwell, and Washington does not provide much in the way of proven production or playmaking ability. The team also lacks a clear-cut No. 1 running back option after the departure of Raheem Mostert. This puts a lot of pressure on Willis to elevate the offense with limited support from his skill position teammates.

  • The 2026 NFL season is set to begin in September.

The players

Malik Willis

The new starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, acquired in free agency after previously serving as a backup with the Green Bay Packers.

Garrett Podell

A CBS Sports analyst who highlighted the bleak outlook for Malik Willis and the Dolphins' offense in 2026.

Jalen Tolbert

One of the Dolphins' projected starting wide receivers for the 2026 season.

Tutu Atwell

Another of the Dolphins' projected starting wide receivers for the 2026 season.

Malik Washington

The third of the Dolphins' projected starting wide receivers for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“If the season started today, the team's three starting wide receivers would be Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Malik Washington.”

— Garrett Podell, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Dolphins will likely look to address their offensive needs through the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place in April, in order to provide Malik Willis with more talented playmakers to work with.

The takeaway

Malik Willis' transition to becoming the Dolphins' starting quarterback could be hindered by the lack of proven offensive talent around him. The team will need to prioritize upgrading the skill positions through free agency and the draft if they hope to set Willis up for success in his first season as the starter.