Dolphins Sign QB Malik Willis in Free Agency

The Dolphins add the young QB after his late-season breakout performance.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have signed quarterback Malik Willis in free agency. Willis, who played sparingly for the Green Bay Packers last season, had a breakout performance when he stepped in for the injured Jordan Love against the Chicago Bears, throwing for 121 yards and a touchdown. He followed that up with a strong start against the Baltimore Ravens, throwing for 288 yards and a touchdown.

Why it matters

The Dolphins were in need of a long-term solution at quarterback after the retirement of veteran Tua Tagovailoa. Willis' late-season heroics have earned him a big payday and an opportunity to compete for the starting job in Miami.

The details

Willis, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, got his chance to shine late last season when Packers starter Jordan Love suffered a concussion against the Chicago Bears. Willis came off the bench and threw for 121 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his strong arm and mobility. The following week, Willis made his first career start against the Baltimore Ravens and threw for 288 yards and a touchdown, further cementing his status as an up-and-coming young quarterback.

  • On December 4, 2025, Willis came off the bench against the Chicago Bears and threw for 121 yards and a touchdown.
  • On December 11, 2025, Willis made his first career start against the Baltimore Ravens and threw for 288 yards and a touchdown.

The players

Malik Willis

A 24-year-old quarterback who was a third-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Jordan Love

The starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, who suffered a concussion against the Chicago Bears, allowing Willis to step in and showcase his skills.

Tua Tagovailoa

The veteran quarterback who recently retired, leaving the Dolphins in need of a long-term solution at the position.

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What they’re saying

“Malik showed a lot of promise in those late-season games, and we're excited to see what he can do as our starting quarterback.”

— Chris Grier, General Manager, Miami Dolphins (Miami Herald)

What’s next

Willis will compete with veteran Teddy Bridgewater for the starting quarterback job in Miami during training camp and the preseason.

The takeaway

The Dolphins have found their potential quarterback of the future in Malik Willis, who impressed late last season and will now get the chance to compete for the starting job in Miami.