Malik Willis‘ recent contract with the Dolphins includes $21.5MM in guaranteed salary in 2027, but what they pay him to play this yr is not going to stop the team from drafting a top quarterback in next yr’s draft, per ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques.
Willis, 27, is currently working to tackle Miami’s starting job for 2026. If he succeeds in opening the season as Miami’s QB1, it’ll be his first time doing so on the NFL level.
Originally a Titans third-round pick in 2022, Willis was expected to wish some development as he made the transition from Liberty to the NFL. Unfortunately, some Ryan Tannehill absences forced him into three starts as a rookie, and he struggled in early motion. When, in 12 months 2, rookie second-rounder Will Levis was the primary arm off the bench, it became clear Willis’ time in Tennessee had come to an end.
Just before his third season, the Titans traded Willis to Green Bay to function Jordan Love‘s backup. The change of scenery clearly did him good. A Love injury forced Willis into two early starts for the Packers, and the third-year passer delivered secure, efficient play en path to two wins. He finished 2024 having accomplished 40 of 54 pass attempts for 550 yards, 4 total touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Last yr, he didn’t see quite as much of the sector, but with one start and one significant relief outing he accomplished 30 of 35 passes for 422 yards, five more total touchdowns, and still zero interceptions on the yr.
So when the Dolphins hired Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their recent general manager and head coach, respectively, it was no surprise that Willis followed them to Miami. That, together with $45MM in guaranteed money for a passer with just six profession starts, is indicative of the team’s confidence of their recent quarterback. However the team isn’t handing Willis anything. He still must proceed working this offseason to officially beat out Quinn Ewers for the starting job.
While Willis is favored to top Ewers, the previous Longhorn isn’t his only competition because the 2027 draft class is predicted to be ripe with strong quarterback prospects. The Dolphins hope Willis could make his contract appear like an enormous bargain, that he’ll reward their faith in him and emerge as Miami’s next franchise passer. Willis’ fate will likely be tied to his ability to assist the Dolphins win games in 2026. If he fails to achieve this, it’ll put Miami in position to pick out a top quarterback prospect and potentially cost Willis his job.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.