Malik Willis was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in free agency this offseason.
But after signing a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, he enters the 2026 season with plenty to prove.
Despite revitalizing his career with the Green Bay Packers, Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick ranked Willis 30th in their quarterback rankings entering the 2026 season.
"Willis turned a second chance in Green Bay into a starting opportunity in Miami. Across 11 appearances with the Packers, he accounted for eight touchdowns while recording just one turnover-worthy play. His signature performance came in a Week 17 loss to Baltimore when he earned a 95.6 PFF overall grade, the second-highest single-game grade by any quarterback in the NFL in 2025.
"He is flanked by what appears to be a weak receiving corps this season, but Willis’ rushing ability should be a major factor in the Dolphins' offense. Willis averaged 6.2 yards per carry during his two seasons in Green Bay while generating 12 explosive runs on just 42 rushing attempts."
Willis earns fair criticism, but he has the opportunity to change minds
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The only quarterbacks ranked below Willis were Jacoby Brissett, who is hoping to land a new contract with the Arizona Cardinals, and Deshaun Watson, who hasn't thrown a pass for the Cleveland Browns since October 2024 because of a ruptured right Achilles tendon.
It's understandable why critics may be skeptical of whether Willis can succeed in Miami. After the Tennessee Titans selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Willis struggled in limited action, passing for 350 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 53% of his passes in three starts.
Tennessee traded Willis to the Packers in 2024, where he backed up Jordan Love for two seasons. It was in Green Bay that he developed into one of the league's better backup quarterbacks.
Willis thrived in Packers coach Matt LaFleur's system during his limited opportunities. In 11 appearances and three starts, he threw for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 261 yards and three touchdowns during that span.
Now, Willis will get another opportunity to prove he can be a starting quarterback on a Dolphins team filled with youth and uncertainty. Outside of De'Von Achane, Miami lacks proven offensive playmakers after Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle departed during the offseason.
Willis will have to play the best football of his career to climb out of the bottom tier of NFL quarterbacks.
