The Miami Dolphins have a quarterback issue they need to resolve this offseason. With Tua Tagovailoa almost certainly departing this offseason, they need a new starter.

Quinn Ewers is the only viable quarterback on the roster, but they cannot head into 2026 with him as the only option to be the team’s starter. Whether it’s a draft pick, a free agent, or a trade, the Dolphins need another QB.

But the Dolphins got some bad news on a QB they’ve been linked to often this offseason in Malik Willis. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell projects that the former Green Bay Packers QB is set to land a $30 million deal this offseason, which is bad news for the Dolphins.

Dolphins get bad news amid Malik Willis $30M projection

Barnwell named Willis among the “Tier 4: Borderline starters/high-end backups” tier of quarterbacks this offseason. And Barnwell handed out a “Projected annual salary: $20-$30 million for Willis.”

This projection is not good news for the Dolphins. With the $52 million owed to Tagovailoa this season, the Dolphins cannot afford to spend too much on the QB position.

While adding someone like Willis would be ideal as a dart-throw to find a potential franchise quarterback, if he’s set to land a deal worth $20 to $30 million, that might be hard to justify.

More: ESPN analyst thinks Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa decision has already been made

Willis is a good dual-threat quarterback and has some potential. But, with the Dolphins trying to reset, a contract of such a degree, especially if it reaches around $30 million per-year, would be tough for the Dolphins to meet such a demand.

There will be plenty of suitors for Willis, and the Dolphins might be better off going with a different, cheaper veteran quarterback option to pair with Ewers this offseason.

Jacoby Brissett, Kirk Cousins, or even Geno Smith, all of which could be available for much cheaper than Willis, would be solid options for the 2026 season for Miami.

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