Malik Willis quarterback Green Bay Packers
Getty
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 27: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins made a splash when they agreed to sign former Green Bay Packers quarterback, even if the $22.5 million per year deal was substantially lower than many expected prior to the start of the legal tampering period of free agency on Monday.
However, despite Willis’ excellent play in limited action in 2024 and 2025 with Green Bay and his clear immense talent ceiling, some believe that the Dolphins did bad business by bringing in the former third round pick.
Former NFL offensive lineman and Fox Sports reporter Geoff Schwartz posted damning words about his assessment of the move shortly after the deal was announced.
Just do not believe this will be successful. Becoming a first time starter in year 5. Hasn’t thrown more than 61 passes in a season. This would be an extreme outlier if he was any good for a long stretch during this contract. https://t.co/wfBf1HZV4e
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) March 9, 2026
NFL Analyst Bearish on Malik Willis’ Prospects as a Starter
“Just do not believe this will be successful.” Schwartz wrote. “Becoming a first time starter in year 5. Hasn’t thrown more than 61 passes in a season. This would be an extreme outlier if he was any good for a long stretch during this contract.”
Schwartz subsequently noted that historically, players who have succeeded on these types of deals have been both high round draft picks and full-time starters, who were then able to resurrect their careers with a new organization.
Geoff Schwartz
people will point to other QBs who’s had success on third and fourth teams. Those are mostly first round picks or even a high second like Geno. They were full time starters before it went sideways.
Schwartz claims that “people will point to other QBs who’s had success on third and fourth teams. Those are mostly first round picks or even a high second like Geno [Smith]. They were full time starters before it went sideways.”
Will Malik Willis Succeed with the Dolphins?
Nobody quite knows how Willis’ tenure in Miami will play out. The Dolphins have very much the feel of a rebuilding team, given their recent mass releases that included wide receiver Tyreek Hill, edge rusher Bradley Chubb and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
During his playing time this past season, Willis was exceptional. He ended the year with a 145.5 passer rating and a whopping 85.7% completion percentage, throwing 3 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Another major area of his appeal comes from his athletic prowess in the run game, with the former Titan managing 123 rushing yards off of 22 attempts last season, scoring an additional two touchdowns in the process.
The downside is that those numbers came off just 35 attempted passes, 30 of which were completed. And as Schwartz alludes to, his lack of playing time over the course of his career does dilute the otherwise very strong showings put forth since moving to the Midwest.
At the end of the day, any and all attempts to speculate as to the outcome of Willis’ future in Miami is futile – and certainly until the team’s offensive setup is complete post free agency and the draft.