Fourth-Year Backup QB Finds New Home with the Miami Dolphins
The 2026 NFL quarterback free agency class was filled with a variety of options for teams to choose from, ranging from seasoned veteran starters to journeyman backups and young quarterbacks looking for their opportunity in the league. One of the more intriguing names on the market was quarterback Malik Willis. The 26-year-old has had an up-and-down start to his NFL career. Coming off two decent seasons as a backup with the Green Bay Packers, Willis entered the offseason as a true wild card, having made just six career starts in the NFL but reportedly being in line to earn a deal worth anywhere from $20 to $30 million depending on the team. Following much debate, it has been reported that the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with Willis on a three-year deal worth $67.5 million, as the Georgia native looks to resurrect his career as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Coming out of college, Willis was viewed as a potential high draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, with some projections placing him as high as the second overall selection. However, despite a successful two-year stint at Liberty University in 2020 and 2021, where he recorded 47 touchdown passes and was named MVP of his team’s bowl game in each season, Willis ultimately slid to the third round, where he was selected by the Tennessee Titans. With the Titans, Willis struggled to find his footing in the NFL, failing to throw a touchdown pass while tossing three interceptions across 11 games played. Of those appearances, he started only three games. As a result, Willis was traded to the Packers in 2024 in hopes that he could serve as a reliable backup behind starting quarterback Jordan Love.
The dual-threat quarterback’s stint in Green Bay helped reset his market, as he showcased in limited action what made him such an intriguing prospect coming out of college. Last season, Willis was called into action as Love dealt with injuries, including during the Packers’ Week 16 matchup against the Chicago Bears when Love exited the game with a concussion. Willis entered the game in relief and later made a start the following week against the Baltimore Ravens. In four games played last season, Willis performed efficiently, recording an 85.7% completion percentage while throwing three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Now, as Willis gets a new opportunity with the Dolphins, the door is wide open for the fourth-year pro to prove he still has what it takes to be a starting quarterback in the league, beginning next season with Miami.
