We already know the Miami Dolphins will have a new look and a different feel in 2026. Mike McDaniel is out, and the defensive-minded Jeff Hafley has taken over as head coach. Tua Tagovailoa may not return either, though he is still under contract.
While the team clearly has a decision to make on Tagovailoa, who has a fully guaranteed $54 million salary in 2026, they may decide to pivot in a different direction. If the new-look Dolphins want a new quarterback, there’s one who is starting to make a lot of sense in Miami.
Recently, ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler named the Dolphins as a “team he’ll be watching to pursue Malik Willis.” With the Dolphins hiring their general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, and coach Hafley from Willis’s former team, the Green Bay Packers, they already have a lot of familiarity with the upcoming free agent. Fowler also named the Arizona Cardinals were the other team Fowler mentioned.
Willis, 26, may only have six NFL starts, but he’s expected to be one of the most sought-after free agent quarterbacks available this offseason. The former third-round pick completed 78.7% of his passes for 972 yards, 3 TDs, and no interceptions in three starts with the Packers across the past two seasons. He also ran for 261 yards and three TDs.
Willis may be unproven, but his strong play in Green Bay has some wondering if the dual-threat quarterback could become a star if given a bigger opportunity. Could that chance present itself in Miami, with Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, plus De’Von Achane?
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