Miami, April 5: The Miami Dolphins have made significant changes this offseason, introducing a new management team and revamping most of their roster with affordable one-year contracts for the 2026 season.
However, one of their key moves—signing quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million deal—has raised eyebrows among NFL executives.
Several executives expressed their concerns to The Athletic’s Mike Sando. One executive remarked, “This feels like 2019 all over again. They shouldn’t have signed Malik Willis. Instead, they should have absorbed the full Tua cap charge in one season and opted for Quinn Ewers to navigate the year.”
Had the Dolphins chosen Ewers, who led the team to a 1-2 record while completing 66.3% of his passes for 622 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions last year, they could have reset their offseason strategy entirely.
In contrast, Willis has a 3-3 record as a starter in the NFL. In 22 appearances, he has completed 67.7% of his passes for 1,322 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Another executive pointed out, “You should know enough about Willis to realize that many of his throws were simple flareouts. Unless you plan to run an offense like that, what’s the rationale? Plus, they didn’t get enough for Jaylen Waddle. The return was equivalent to the 25th pick in the draft, which should have been much higher.”
While signing Willis alone isn’t necessarily a poor decision, it stands out when considered alongside their other moves. One executive placed the blame on those above new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley.
“Give me another idea,” a third executive said. “They will have as many minimum-salary players on their 53-man roster as any team in the league. The issue is that they have an absentee owner and some very empowered individuals in the front office, including the president. That makes it tough for the GM.”
The football landscape in South Florida may be challenging to watch in 2026. Even after this season, the Dolphins will be on the hook for nearly $70 million for Tagovailoa and Willis in 2027, which is far from ideal.
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