The Miami Dolphins are looking to bring in a quarterback to replace Tua Tagovailoa and with Malik Willis, they may have found the ideal successor to take the franchise back into relevancy.
When Willis was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, expectations were sky-high.
Many considered him the franchise’s quarterback of the future, a dual-threat capable of changing the dynamic of the Titans‘ offense. However, Willis‘ tenure in Tennessee never took off.
Over two seasons, he started only three games-all in 2022-throwing for 350 yards and three interceptions.
The team’s confidence in him waned, particularly after the Titans drafted Will Levis in 2023 and later handed the starting role to No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward in 2025.
Willis‘ career took a new direction when he joined the Green Bay Packers, where he played for the past two seasons as a backup to Jordan Love.
While not a full-time starter, his performance in limited opportunities was noteworthy. He threw for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and remarkably, zero interceptions, completing 78.7 percent of his passes.
He started three games during Love‘s absences and went 2-1, showing poise in both passing and rushing situations.
In 2024, Willis started two games, passing for 324 yards and two touchdowns while completing 75.8 per cent of his throws. He also added 114 rushing yards and a touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
The following year, he started a single game against the Baltimore Ravens, completing 85.7 percent of his passes for 288 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 60 yards and two scores.
His ability to make defenses account for both his arm and legs has made him an intriguing option for teams in need of a quarterback who can extend plays and create mismatches.
Dolphins eye Willis as starting QB
Greg Auman of Fox Sports recently suggested that Willis, now 26, could be in line to replace Tagovailoa as the Miami Dolphins‘ starting quarterback.
This is especially striking considering Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.1 million contract in 2024. But his struggles have put him potentially on the chopping block.
“Willis may be the hardest free agent to ballpark in terms of how much money he’ll get,” Auman wrote. “There’s an absolute lack of quality quarterbacks available, combined with a weak QB draft class, so teams without an obvious starter may overpay here.”
Willis‘ Green Bay numbers, paired with his mobility, positions him as a potential solution for Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and new offensive leadership.
Auman even projected a Justin Fields-style contract: two years for roughly $40 million, a low-risk, high-upside approach for a team that could benefit from his versatility.
If Miami pursues Willis, it would mark a significant shift in their quarterback landscape.
Willis an opportunity Miami can’t miss
While Tagovailoa remains under contract, the Dolphins could be betting on Willis‘ upside, particularly in a league where starter-level quarterbacks are in short supply.
His skill set fits modern NFL offenses that value dual-threat ability, play-extension, and decision-making efficiency.
As teams weigh their options in an unpredictable free-agent market, Willis represents both intrigue and opportunity.
A player once considered a bust in Tennessee may now be on the verge of starting for a playoff contender, highlighting how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.
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