Former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, now leading the Miami Dolphins, may not be able to bring over every familiar face he wants this offseason. Although he succeeded in adding several former Packers assistants to his staff, persuading players to join him in free agency will prove more difficult given the strong competition around the league.
Packers quarterback Malik Willis is one player many believe Jeff Hafley has targeted as he begins his tenure in Miami. The connection makes sense considering their familiarity, the Dolphins’ need for improved quarterback play, and Jon Eric-Sullivan’s move from Green Bay to Miami as general manager. Still, recent developments could be shifting momentum away from that potential reunion for Willis.
Malik Willis in the Packers’ system
Aug 9, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws the ball during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
After Malik Willis found success operating in Matt LaFleur’s system with the Packers, the most sensible next step may be landing in a comparable scheme. Matt’s brother, Mike LaFleur, now serves as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
Both brothers previously worked under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams, meaning their offensive philosophies share similar principles that could attract Willis.
Gregg Rosenthal of the NFL Daily Podcast has strongly backed the idea of the Cardinals making a move for Willis.
“Monti Ossenfort can’t have that much time left in Arizona. Betting it all on Malik Willis is the way to go,” Rosenthal wrote.
Is the Malik Willis – Jeff Hafley reunion still possible?
Jan 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley speaks to reporters during his introductory press conference at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Willis could be in line for a sizable contract on his next deal. In reality, Ossenfort could authorize that kind of investment and still miss, yet it likely would not create long term consequences for him, even if he eventually loses his job. The responsibility for that contract would shift to the next regime, but at least he could say he took a legitimate swing at a high upside move.
Adding another layer to the potential Willis and Hafley reunion, NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reports that Jimmy Garoppolo has also drawn interest from Miami.
Next big Dolphins offseason question centers at QB.
A look at trade Tua Tagovailoa scenario (if they add sweeteners – money or a pick) and who could be the next starting QB?
For @nflnetwork The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/Cmhydjn5G8
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 18, 2026
Considering the likely gap between the contract Willis could command and the more modest deal Garoppolo may seek, the Dolphins appear to be a more practical landing spot for the veteran quarterback.