6 things to know about new Dolphins QB Malik Willis

There is a new quarterback in town for the Miami Dolphins. Shortly after announcing the release of Tua Tagovailoa, Miami reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year, $67 million contract with former Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.

Willis spent the last two seasons with Green Bay as a backup to Jordan Love. He now reunites with general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley in Miami to be the likely starting quarterback.

Before the move becomes official, here are s things to know about the Dolphins new man under center.

Willis was safe with the ball during his two years in Green Bay

Willis’ popularity as a free agent this offseason was quite interesting, considering he’s only started in three games over the past two years for the Packers. Despite his limited opportunities in Green Bay, he was nearly perfect when called upon.

Last season, Willis completed 30-of-35 passes (85.7%) for 422 yards and three touchdowns with a 145.5 passer rating.

Turnovers were a major issue for the Dolphins’ offense a season ago, and Willis didn’t turn the ball over a single time during his two-year stint in Green Bay.

A dual-threat skillset

Willis brings an elite dual-threat skillset to Miami that will change the offense drastically in 2026. He’s consistently demonstrated the ability to use his legs and be effective in the running game when needed.

Last season, Willis ran for 123 yards and two touchdown for the Packers in addition to his output in the passing game. In his career, he’s averaged 5.5 yards per rushing attempt.

The previous offense, run by Mike McDaniel, relied heavily on Tagovailoa operating in the pocket and getting the ball out quickly.

During his college years at Liberty, Willis’ elite scrambling ability was on full display. During his two years as the starting quarterback at Liberty, Willis ran for 1,822 yards and 27 touchdowns.

His running ability shows all the more reason why Miami’s front office was so quick to bring him in the building.

2026 could be a first for Willis

While Sullivan has emphasized competition in the quarterback room this season, it’s hard to imagine the Dolphins would sign Willis to this contract if he wasn’t intended to be the starter.

If the intent is for Willis to start in 2026, it will be his first opportunity to open the season as a starting quarterback

Even though the Titans spent a third-round pick on Willis, he was never given a true opportunity to start. He was the backup to Ryan Tannehill in 2022 and Will Levis in 2023. Willis struggled when he was given a chance to see the field in a Titans jersey, failing to throw a touchdown.

Willis was traded to the Packers ahead of the 2024 season, where he quickly turned his career around by staying ready behind Love. Willis has now appeared to have earned himself a chance to be a starting quarterback in the NFL for the Dolphins in year five of his NFL career.

Willis’ NFL DNA

Willis’ uncle is former NFL linebacker James Anderson, who played 10 seasons in the NFL from 2006-15. Anderson spent his first seven years with the Carolina Panthers, and finished his career with one-year stints with the Chicago Bears (2013), Tennessee Titans (2014) and New Orleans Saints (2016).

Collegiate standout

Willis’ college career began at Auburn in 2017, where he spent two seasons. However, he transferred to Liberty after Bo Nix beat him out for Auburn’s starting job.

After sitting out 2019 due to the transfer, Willis became one of the most electric players in all of college football. In 2020, he helped lead the Flames to a 10-1 record, passing for 2,260 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 944 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Willis’ 74 all-purpose touchdowns from 2020-21 ranked first among all FBS players during that span. He broke the school’s record of 40 touchdowns in 2021 and holds the program’s single-game record of 168 rushing yards by a quarterback, which came against Western Kentucky. Willis also tied Liberty football’s single-game passing touchdown record with six in a win over Southern Mississippi.

Willis won the Dudley Award in 2020, honoring him as the top college athlete in Virginia. The following season in 2021, he earned the Bobby Bowden Award.

Willis went on to be the third quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL draft, going at pick No. 86 to the Titans.

High praise from a former teammate

During the Packers’ Week 11 game against the Giants this past season, Willis entered the game at quarterback while Love was dealing with a should injury.

Following the game, Love spoke highly of Willis’ ability to stay ready when called upon to enter the game.

“Just a big-time job by Malik. I think it’s always tough being the backup. You got to stay ready, you never know when that opportunity is going to come, and so it’s tough, I’ve been there,” Love said. “But (Willis) did a great job staying ready, coming in leading us to a touchdown drive, doing exactly what he needed to do.

“Everybody has a lot of respect, a lot of confidence in Malik whenever he has to come in, so just big-time job by him.”

Willis’ preparation and readiness he displayed in Green Bay has earned him an opportunity in Miami ahead of his fifth NFL season.

More Dolphins: Dolphins 2026 free agency tracker: Latest news, rumors and signings

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL free agency: 6 things to know about new Dolphins QB Malik Willis

6 things to know about new Dolphins QB Malik Willis

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