{"id":851392,"date":"2026-04-03T15:03:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T15:03:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/851392\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T15:03:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T15:03:22","slug":"new-dolphins-qb-malik-willis-gets-bold-comparison-from-nfl-analyst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/851392\/","title":{"rendered":"New Dolphins QB Malik Willis Gets Bold Comparison from NFL Analyst"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Malik\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Malik Willis has drawn a comparison to Sam Darnold after signing with the Dolphins in free agency<\/p>\n

The Miami Dolphins<\/a> have spent the majority of the offseason blowing up their team, indicating the start of a long rebuild. One of the only moves the Dolphins have made to improve their roster saw them sign quarterback Malik Willis<\/a> to a three-year, $67.5 million contract in free agency, with the hope being that he can establish himself as a suitable replacement for Tua Tagovailoa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Over the past two years with the Green Bay Packers<\/a>, Willis has proven himself capable of winning games when getting thrust into action. In recent years, several quarterbacks have enjoyed career renaissances after struggling in the early going, with one of the more prominent examples being Sam Darnold<\/a>, who just led the Seattle Seahawks<\/a> to a victory in Super Bowl LX. After signing with the Dolphins, Willis recently drew an eye-opening comparison to Darnold.<\/p>\n

Malik Willis Draws Comparison to Sam Darnold<\/p>\n

A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Willis never really got an opportunity to find his footing with the Tennessee Titans<\/a>, which led to him getting dealt to the Packers ahead of the 2024 campaign. During his time as Love\u2019s backup, Willis has shown himself well when he\u2019s found his way onto the field, as he\u2019s thrown for 972 yards and six touchdowns during his limited time on the field, while also rushing for 261 yards and three more scores.<\/p>\n

Quarterbacks looking to revive their careers shouldn\u2019t look any further than Darnold. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold was widely considered a bust early in his career, only to figure things out while working as Brock Purdy\u2019s backup with the San Francisco 49ers<\/a>. After leading the Minnesota Vikings<\/a> to 14 wins in 2024, Darnold signed with the Seahawks last offseason and then promptly led them to a championship.<\/p>\n

Is it reasonable to expect the Dolphins to win the Super Bowl in 2026? Absolutely not. However, Willis has the talent to make a similar jump, especially if the Dolphins can eventually supplement the rest of their offense with talent. If you ask Jeffri Chadiha of NFL.com, he thinks that Willis is capable of becoming the second coming<\/a> of Darnold, even though Miami\u2019s offense looks less than stellar on paper currently.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe expectations here should be tempered for that reason, but Willis has plenty of motivation to make this work,\u201d Chadiha wrote. \u201cHe came into the league as a third-round pick in Tennessee in 2022, lasted all of two seasons there, then rebuilt himself in Green Bay \u2026 He does understand what it\u2019s like to be written off. We\u2019ll see where he\u2019s at by the end of 2027.\u201d<\/p>\n

What Should Be Expected from Malik Willis in 2026?\"Miami<\/p>\n

GettyThe Dolphins announced news on Malik Willis<\/p>\n

Willis is one of the big question marks at the quarterback position across the NFL right now. Not only does he have limited on-field experience in the pros, but the Dolphins\u2019 offense is a mess. Right now, the only guy who appears capable of truly helping Willis out is running back De\u2019Von Achane. Guys like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are gone, and they haven\u2019t been truly replaced to this point.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s what a rebuild entails, though, meaning that it\u2019s going to be some time until Willis has a proper supporting cast around him on offense. That could cause him to struggle on the field, so with that in mind, it\u2019s fair to temper expectations for him in 2026. Willis could eventually follow in Darnold\u2019s footsteps, but in the immediate future, it\u2019s safe to expect some growing pains for him and Miami.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOwen Crisafulli<\/a> Owen Crisafulli is an Email Newsletter Editor & Breaking News Writer at Heavy Sports. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, NESN Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Dolphins\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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