Quarterback is the most hotly debated position of the offseason for the Dolphins, and with good reason. It’s the most important position, and the Dolphins, under the direction of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley, have a number of major questions in that area. Answers must come quickly.

Monday is the first day teams can negotiate with free agents, and Wednesday, the first day of the new league year, is when contracts can be signed.

Miami has an extensive “to-do” list at quarterback.

The Dolphins must decide what to do with Tua Tagovailoa — keep him or release him.

The Dolphins must also decide whether to pursue Green Bay’s Malik Willis, who spent the last two seasons with the Packers alongside Sullivan and Hafley, and is scheduled to become a free agent. And if Willis is signed to a multi-year contract for, say, $20 million a year, what happens to Sullivan’s pledge to bring competition into the quarterback room? 

The Dolphins must also decide whether to pursue a bridge quarterback or a long-term quarterback this offseason.

One key at quarterback is that we don’t know what physical qualities are most valued by the Dolphins under new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik as far as mobility, agility, quick release, strong arm, ability to throw the deep ball, ability to throw outside the numbers, etc.

Obviously, there’s a lot to be decided in the next few days.

Here are some of the Dolphins’ free agent options at quarterback:

Malik Willis, Green Bay

Willis, 26, is a four-year veteran who has never been a full-time starter. He’s made six starts (3-3 record) in 22 career games. He has three touchdowns, three interceptions and a 98.9 passer rating in four seasons. However, Willis, a 2022 third-round pick by Tennessee, is athletic with a lively arm and has flashed potential. Willis, who is projected to earn between $20-$25 million a year, counted $1.4 million against the salary cap last season.

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta

Cousins, 37, is a 14-year veteran who would serve as a one-year “bridge” quarterback until the Dolphins find a multi-year starter. Cousins, who had 10 touchdowns, five interceptions and an 84.8 passer rating last season, will reportedly be released by the Falcons. He could be a steadying influence on Miami’s offense and its young players, including second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers. Cousins counted $40 million against the salary cap last season.  

Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh

Rodgers, 42, is a 21-year veteran who likely won’t want to be part of the Dolphins’ rebuild. But the market might have different plans for Rodgers, who posted 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 94.8 passer rating in 16 starts for the Steelers last season. Sullivan and Rodgers were together in Green Bay for 18 years (2005-22). Rodgers counted $14.1 million against the salary cap last season. 

Marcus Mariota, Washington

Mariota, 32, is an 11-year veteran who is athletic but a middling talent. Mariota, who started against the Dolphins last season, ended the year with 10 touchdowns, seven interceptions and an 86.1 passer rating in eight starts. Mariota cost $8.1 million against the salary cap last season.

Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams

Garoppolo, 34, is a 12-year veteran who has made one start and four appearances in the last two seasons while serving as Matthew Stafford’s backup. Garoppolo hasn’t been a starter since 2022, when he was injured playing for San Francisco (against Miami) in the game that gave Brock Purdy an opportunity. Garoppolo cost $3.1 million against the salary cap last season.

Trey Lance, Los Angeles Chargers

Lance, 25, is a four-year veteran who has played for three teams, beginning with San Francisco, which made him the No. 3 pick of the 2021 draft, and also including Dallas, where he played during the 2024 season. Lance has made six starts, going 2-4 in those games, among his 16 career appearances. He has five touchdowns, five interceptions and a 71.9 passer rating. Lance cost $2.1 million against the salary cap last season.

Russell Wilson, New York Giants

Wilson, 37, is a 14-year veteran who is struggling to find a role. Wilson, who has been with Denver, Pittsburgh and the New York Giants in the last four years, had three touchdowns, three interceptions and a 77.4 passer rating last year in three starts and six appearances. Wilson cost $11 million against the salary cap last season.