Trending Now - Malik Willis Joins Dolphins, Shaping AFC Quarterback Dynamics
WHO:
Malik Willis, quarterback; Jeff Hafley, head coach of the Miami Dolphins; Jon-Eric Sullivan, general manager of the Miami Dolphins; Pat McAfee, sports commentator.
Jon-Eric Sullivan, general manager of the Miami Dolphins; Jeff Hafley, head coach of the Miami Dolphins; Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback; Quinn Ewers, quarterback; Kendrick Bourne, wide receiver; Matthew Stafford, quarterback; Minkah Fitzpatrick, safety; New York Jets.
Malik Willis, quarterback; Miami Dolphins; Arizona Cardinals; Jacoby Brissett, quarterback; Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback; Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver; Pittsburgh Steelers; Ian Rapoport, NFL reporter.
WHAT:
Malik Willis expressed excitement about joining the Dolphins, stating, “I’m super excited to be down there... I’m real familiar with those guys, and excited to go to work and try to do something special. It’s a blessing.”
Willis mentioned that he learned the importance of stability during his time in Green Bay, saying, “It’s my first time being in a system for more than a year since I’ve been in the league.”
The Miami Dolphins released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins will spend an NFL record of $200 million in dead-cap money to address previous contracts.
Malik Willis completed 30 of 35 passes for 455 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the previous season.
Malik Willis signed a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins worth up to $67.5 million, with $45 million guaranteed, as reported by Ian Rapoport.
The contract includes a signing bonus of $22.5 million, a 2026 base salary of $1.25 million fully guaranteed, a 2027 base salary of $21.5 million fully guaranteed, and a 2028 offseason roster bonus of $2 million.
The average annual value of the contract is $22.5 million, which is within the expected range of $20 million to $25 million.
Malik Willis signed a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins worth up to $67 million, with $45 million guaranteed.
Willis has thrown six touchdowns and zero interceptions over the last two seasons with the Green Bay Packers, completing 70 of his 89 passes.
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
WHERE:
Miami, Florida (Dolphins); Arizona (Cardinals); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Steelers); Indianapolis, Indiana (Colts).
WHEN:
Free agency began on March 6th, 2026.
The official player switches cannot be announced before March 11th, 2026, at 1 p.m.
WHY:
Willis decided to sign with the Dolphins due to his relationship with head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, stating he completely buys into what they want to build in Miami.
The Dolphins' new regime is betting on Malik Willis as a potential franchise quarterback after releasing Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins needed a starting quarterback, and Willis's signing indicates he will fill that role following his tenure as a backup with the Green Bay Packers.
The Dolphins needed a quarterback, and Willis was a top free agent option.
The Cardinals are looking for a quarterback following the anticipated departure of Kyler Murray.
HOW:
Willis indicated that he believes he is ready to lead the Dolphins, saying, “All you can do is be genuinely yourself and do what you can to put everything you have on the table.”
The Dolphins' management is focused on cleaning up the roster of bad contracts while building a new team foundation.
The Dolphins negotiated a contract with Malik Willis, which included a significant financial commitment.
(UPDATED March 10, 2026 17:16 UTC)
Malik Willis, the new quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, expressed his excitement about joining the team, saying he feels blessed and is eager to work with familiar faces. He emphasized the importance of stability, noting that this is his first time in a system for more than a year since entering the league, which has shaped his readiness to lead. Willis also highlighted his strong relationship with head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan as key reasons for his decision to sign with Miami, stating he fully supports their vision for the team.
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(UPDATED March 10, 2026 07:15 UTC)
In a surprising move, the Miami Dolphins have released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as they shift their focus to Malik Willis, whom they see as a potential franchise quarterback. To make this transition, the Dolphins will spend an NFL record of $200 million in dead-cap money to address previous contracts while cleaning up their roster. This decision comes as the new management aims to build a fresh foundation for the team, with key figures like general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley leading the charge.
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(UPDATED March 10, 2026 01:24 UTC)
In a significant move for the Miami Dolphins, Malik Willis has signed a three-year contract worth up to $67.5 million, with $45 million guaranteed, as reported by Ian Rapoport. The deal includes a $22.5 million signing bonus, a fully guaranteed base salary of $1.25 million for 2026, and a fully guaranteed base salary of $21.5 million for 2027, along with a $2 million offseason roster bonus in 2028. This signing comes as the Dolphins look to secure a starting quarterback, with Willis stepping into the role after serving as a backup with the Green Bay Packers.
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(UPDATED March 9, 2026 23:09 UTC)
In a major move during free agency, Malik Willis has signed a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins worth up to $67 million, with $45 million guaranteed, as the team sought a top quarterback option. Over the past two seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Willis has thrown six touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 70 of his 89 passes, showcasing his potential. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers have traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., further shaking up the roster landscape as teams prepare for the upcoming season.