Dolphins News
Malik Willis Signs Three-Year Deal With Miami Dolphins, Replacing Tua Tagovailoa
Quarterback Malik Willis has agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, including $45 million fully guaranteed, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday. The deal came hours after Miami announced it would release Tua Tagovailoa, ending a tumultuous chapter at the position and clearing the way for Willis to take over as the team’s starter in 2026.
The signing reunites Willis with new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, both of whom spent the past two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Hafley served as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator while Sullivan was the team’s vice president of player personnel. The familiarity with Willis, who spent those same two seasons with the Packers, played a significant role in the Dolphins’ decision to move quickly on him once free agency opened.
Willis, 26, was a third-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Liberty. He was traded to Green Bay shortly before the 2024 season for a seventh-round pick. In two seasons with the Packers, he appeared in 11 games and made three starts, completing approximately 79 percent of his passes for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also contributed 161 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the contract structure is back-loaded to provide Miami cap relief in 2026 as the team works to reset its finances after eating roughly $99 million in dead money tied to Tagovailoa’s release, spread over two years using the June 1 designation. Willis will carry a $1.25 million salary in 2026 before the deal escalates sharply in 2027.
The Dolphins enter the Willis era with some building blocks in place. Running back De’Von Achane and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle project as the cornerstones of the skill position group, but Miami is expected to need reinforcements at receiver and tight end heading into the draft. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s status for 2026 remains uncertain following a knee injury that ended his season. The Dolphins hold the 11th overall pick in the upcoming draft and eight total selections.
Tagovailoa, who was benched for Miami’s final three games of the 2025 season, agreed to a one-year minimum deal with the Atlanta Falcons following his release, according to Rapoport.
Hafley and Sullivan, both hired this January to oversee a franchise-wide reset in South Florida, now have their quarterback. The Dolphins have not won a playoff game in 25 seasons.