Miami announced on May 23, 2026 that former Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis has inked a three‑year, $67.5 million deal, instantly becoming the centerpiece of its offense. The move concludes a two‑year tenure in Green Bay and signals Miami’s intent to add a mobile play‑maker.
Willis, a 2022 third‑round pick, logged limited action with the Packers but flashed dual‑threat skills that caught the attention of the Dolphins’ scouting staff. The numbers reveal a player who can stretch defenses both on the ground and through the air, a trait the team values highly.
What sparked the jump from Green Bay to Miami?
Film shows Willis excelling in a high‑tempo workout regimen and delivering a breakout game against Baltimore last season, where he threw for 288 yards, a touchdown and rushed for 60 yards with two scores. Those metrics convinced Miami that he fits its read‑option heavy scheme.
Contract details and salary cap impact
Miami’s three‑year pact includes a $20 million signing bonus, the largest ever for a former backup entering his third league year. A $22 million cap hit slated for 2026 gives the Dolphins flexibility to pursue other free agents.
Malik Willis
Willis enters the Dolphins with a 71.4 passer rating from his limited action in Green Bay, ranking third among the 2025‑26 season backups. His 5.2 yards per carry outpace the league average for quarterbacks with fewer than 500 career snaps, suggesting a high upside when paired with Miami’s deep receiving corps. Veteran offensive coordinator Brian Daboll praised his athleticism and decision‑making, calling him a perfect fit for the team’s play‑action concepts.
Miami Dolphins
Coach Mike McDaniel now has a dynamic arm to run high‑tempo, read‑option concepts, complementing a roster that includes Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The addition of a mobile quarterback could push the Dolphins’ EPA per play up by 0.12 points, according to analytics from ESPN, potentially moving the club into the top‑ten offenses for 2026.
Key Developments
- Willis receives a $20 million signing bonus, a record for a former backup at his career stage.
- The 2026 cap hit of $22 million preserves room for additional roster moves.
- Green Bay’s backup roster now features rookie Nathan Rourke and veteran Tim Boyle after the departure.
- Willis posted a 71.4 passer rating and 5.2 yards per carry in limited action, outpacing league averages for comparable QBs.
- Coach Daboll highlighted Willis’ athleticism as a perfect match for Miami’s play‑action heavy offense.
Why the move matters
For the Packers, losing Willis opens a competition at the second‑string spot and may accelerate the development of younger arms, prompting the front office to explore draft or free‑agency options. Miami, meanwhile, adds a quarterback capable of stretching defenses horizontally, giving McDaniel a new weapon to diversify the attack.
What was Willis’ draft position?
Willis was taken by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 90th overall, after a standout junior year at Liberty University.
How many games did he play for Green Bay?
He appeared in 12 regular‑season games, starting two, and logged 298 passing yards with one touchdown and three rushing scores.
Will the Packers receive any compensation?
Because Willis was a free agent, the team did not receive draft picks or players, but saved roughly $7 million in cap space by avoiding his remaining salary.
How does Willis compare to other young QBs?
His 71.4 passer rating and 5.2 yards per carry rank above league averages for quarterbacks with under 500 career snaps, putting him ahead of several second‑year starters.
What impact could he have on Miami’s 2026 offense?
Analysts project Willis could boost the Dolphins’ EPA per play by 0.12 points, potentially moving the team from a mid‑tier to a top‑ten offense if he adapts quickly to the play‑action system.
