Malik Willis to sign with Dolphins: QB agrees to three-year deal in free agency

Malik Willis is getting another chance to be an NFL starting quarterback. Willis, following a successful two-year run as Jordan Love’s backup with the Packers, is signing with the Miami Dolphins, as confirmed by CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones. Willis reportedly agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million deal that includes $45 million guaranteed. 

In Miami, Willis reunites with new Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley, who spent the previous two seasons as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator. Hafley seemingly hand-picked Willis to replace Tua Tagovailoa, a former No. 5 overall pick whom the Dolphins confirmed plans to release.

Willis isn’t cheap, but he is undoubtedly more affordable than the typical going rate for a starting quarterback. The Dolphins will pay Willis far less than they will pay Tagovailoa not to play for them in 2026 as Tagovailoa is still owed $54 million for the upcoming season. 

A 2022 third-round pick, Willis was drafted by the Tennessee Titans after starting his college career at Auburn before finishing it at Liberty. During his two seasons at Liberty, Willis enjoyed great individual success that included a whopping 27 touchdown runs and 47 touchdown passes. He also, however, threw 18 interceptions (including 12 in 2021) while completing a modest 62.2% of his passes. 

Coming of college, Willis was considered a project who would likely need a few seasons on the bench before potentially being a starter. The Titans handled him with kid gloves; he attempted just 10 passes in his first regular season start and 16 in his second. He threw 23 passes in his third start, but that came with two interceptions. 

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In all, Willis made just three starts in two seasons with the Titans, who traded him to the Packers ahead of the 2024 season in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. In Green Bay, Willis proved that he can be successful if he is in a good situation. 

Despite being a backup, Willis clearly grew as a quarterback during his two seasons in Green Bay with Love and coach Matt LaFleur. Specifically, Willis saw marked improvement with his accuracy and turnovers during his time with the Packers. He also continued to be a threat in the running game. 

During first season in Green Bay, Willis won both of his starts while completing 74.3% of his passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Willis was even better this past season. In four games, he completed a whopping 85.7% of his passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He undoubtedly elevated his future market value in Week 17, when he went 18 of 21 for 288 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for two scores in a game against the Baltimore Ravens. 

In Miami, Willis will join an offense that has Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane and three-time 1,000-yard receiver Jaylen Waddle. Miami needs to find someone to fill the void left by former All-Pro Tyreek Hill. Willis will also join forces with new Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who previously spent two seasons in that role with the Houston Texans while helping C.J. Stroud enjoy early success that included winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. 

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