The Miami Dolphins They found their new starting quarterback. The franchise agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the quarterback Malik Williswhich includes 45 million guaranteed, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The move comes a few hours after Miami announced that it will release Tua Tagovailoa when the new league year begins this Wednesday, leaving the team searching for a starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season.
Reunion with his new coach
In Miami, Willis will be reunited with head coach Jeff Hafley, who was hired by the Dolphins in January. Both had previously met when Hafley worked as defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers.
The arrival of the quarterback represents one of the first important movements of the franchise in this new stage, after the changes in the team’s sports management.
A coveted free agent
Willis, a Liberty Flames football graduate, was considered one of the most interesting quarterbacks available on the free agent market.
During last season with the Packers, the quarterback participated in four games, in which he threw for 422 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, he contributed 123 yards on the ground and two scores, demonstrating his ability as a passer and runner.
According to Next Gen Stats, Willis posted a +0.38 EPA per dropback over the past two seasons, the best mark among quarterbacks with at least 100 passing snaps.
From Tennessee to Miami
Willis was originally selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
During his first two seasons in Tennessee he started three games, before being traded to the Packers in August 2024.
Now, the quarterback will have the opportunity to assume a leading role in Miami and lead the team’s offense in a new stage after the departure of Tagovailoa.
With an important contract and the trust of the new coaching staff, Malik Willis will seek to establish himself as the new offensive leader of the Dolphins in the 2026 NFL season.
